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.
Sofya Galimova
Sofya grew up in Moscow, Russia and is on track to complete her MChem degree in Chemistry at Newcastle University. After a year in industry at AkzoNobel, Sofya has joined the Armstrong group for her final year project, which involves synthesis of axially chiral sulfonamides. Outside of university, Sofya enjoys climbing indoors, cooking, and learning Japanese.
George Hardy
George grew up in North Yorkshire and is on course to graduate in 2024 from Newcastle University with a MChem degree in medicinal chemistry. George has joined the Armstrong group as a MChem student for his final year. His project is exploring novel synthetic techniques for the synthesis of paracyclophane derivatives. Outside of chemistry, George enjoys some practical hobbies including vehicle restoration and hiking.
Previous Members
Ethan Hall-Lyon – MChem 2022-2023
Elle Watson – MChem 2022-2023
Paige Mathers – MChem 2021-2022