Roly J. Armstrong
Roly grew up in Hexham, Northumberland, and in 2007 moved to the University of Cambridge (Pembroke College) to study Natural Sciences, spending his final year working in the laboratory of Professor Steven V. Ley FRS. He subsequently moved to the University of Oxford (Merton College) to carry out a DPhil under the supervision of Professor Martin D. Smith, working on asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis. In 2015 he joined the University of Bristol as a postdoctoral research associate with Professor Varinder K. Aggarwal FRS, investigating new methods for stereoselective olefination. In 2017 he returned to the University of Oxford (University College) to take up a Junior Research Fellowship, working in collaboration with Professor Timothy J. Donohoe to develop new methods for iridium-catalyzed enolate alkylation.
In October 2021, Roly was appointed to the School of Natural and Environmental Science at Newcastle University as a Lecturer in Chemistry. His research interests involve developing new synthetic methodologies to target materials which can be used in materials science and medicine.
Aaron Campbell
Aaron grew up in Northampton and graduated in 2021 from Newcastle University with an MChem degree in chemistry. After a stint in industry manufacturing APIs on the kilo scale, he joined the Armstrong group as a PhD student. His project involves developing new methods for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral amides. Outside of chemistry, Aaron enjoys whitewater kayaking and the outdoors.
Natalie Roper
Natalie grew up in Blyth and graduated from Newcastle University with an MChem degree in 2022. After completing an internship at Akzo Nobel , she joined the Armstrong group as a PhD student. Her project involves finding new ways to make chiral templates for drug discovery. Outside of the lab, Natalie enjoys visiting new places, going to theme parks and hiking.
Matthew Lowe
Matthew grew up in Scarborough and graduated from the University of Oxford (University College) with an MChem in 2023. He joined the Armstrong group in January 2024 as a PhD student, focusing on solvent-free reductions utilising mechanochemistry. Outside of chemistry, Matthew enjoys playing tennis and football.
George Hardy
George grew up in North Yorkshire and graduated from Newcastle University with a MChem degree in medicinal chemistry carrying out a final year project in the Armstrong group. In September 2024, George returned to the group as a PhD student, where he is working on a project funded by EPSRC and AstraZeneca exploring the stereoselective synthesis of bioinspired C–N atropisomeric molecules. Outside of chemistry, George enjoys some practical hobbies including vehicle restoration and hiking.
Lauren Archer
Lauren, originally from Nottingham, is pursuing her MChem degree in Chemistry at Newcastle University. After spending a year conducting research at the National University of Singapore, she has joined the Armstrong group for her final year project, focusing on the synthesis of axially chiral amides. Outside of university, Lauren enjoys indoor climbing, music, and traveling.
Nancy Garner
Nancy grew up in Preston and is now pursuing a MChem degree in Chemistry at Newcastle University. After completing an industrial placement at James Durrans and Sons in South Yorkshire, she has now joined the Armstrong group for her final year project focusing on the synthesis of planar chiral [2.2]Paracyclophane analogues. Outside of her studies, Nancy enjoys live music, skiing and baking.
Previous Members
Sofya Galimova – MChem 2023-2024 – Went on to a PhD with Prof. Mike Waring (Newcastle University)
George Hardy – MChem 2023-2024 – Went on to a PhD in the Armstrong group (Newcastle University)
Ethan Hall-Lyon – MChem 2022-2023 – Went on to a PhD with Dr John Errington (Newcastle University)
Elle Watson – MChem 2022-2023 – Went on to a PhD with Dr Celine Cano (Newcastle University)
Natalie Roper – MChem 2021-2022 – Went on to a PhD in the Armstrong group (Newcastle University)
Paige Mathers – MChem 2021-2022 – Went on to be a GMP Chemist at High Force Research Ltd