Dr 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. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2026. His research interests involve developing new synthetic methodologies to target materials which can be used in materials science and medicine.
Dr Jack Wootton – PDRA
Jack grew up in Halifax, West Yorkshire and graduated from the University of York in 2021 with an MChem degree in chemistry. He remained at the University of York to complete his PhD under the supervision of Dr Will Unsworth, working on cascade ring expansion reactions for the synthesis of macrocycles. He then joined the Armstrong group as an EPSRC funded postdoctoral research associate investigating the stereoselective synthesis of C–N atropisomers. Outside of chemistry, Jack enjoys scuba diving and riding motorcycles.
Natalie Roper – PhD Student
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 – PhD Student
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 – PhD Student
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.
Ava Landgraf – PhD Student
Ava completed her MChem undergraduate degree at Newcastle University supervised by Prof. Mike Waring working on peptidomimetics. During her degree she carried out a year-long industrial placement at AstraZeneca in Cambridge. Ava joined the Armstrong group in 2025 as a PhD student investigating the synthesis of new atropisomeric molecules. Outside of the lab, she enjoys doing ballet and going to the gym.
Xiaofeng Guan – PhD Student
Xiaofeng grew up in China and completed his MSc degree in Chemistry at Newcastle University in 2024. His master’s research focused on the structural design of peptide-like diamide compounds as potential therapies for Friedreich’s ataxia using computer-aided drug design. He then joined the Armstrong group in 2025 where his doctoral studies are focused on the design and synthesis of arylsulfonamide ligands targeting the FABP5 protein. Outside of chemistry, Xiaofeng enjoys hiking and tennis.
Matheus Ramos Florencio – PhD Student
Matheus grew up in Oxford and graduated with an MChem from Balliol College, University of Oxford. He carried out his research project under Prof. Tim Donohoe, focusing on expanding the scope of dearomative functionalisation of activated isoquinolines. He joined the Armstrong Group in October 2026 as a PhD student, where his work centres on the mechanochemical synthesis of organosodium reagents, funded by EPSRC and Syngenta. Outside the lab, Matheus enjoys the gym, boxing and cooking.
Niamh Goodacre – MChem Student
Niamh grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne and is now pursuing an MChem degree in Medicinal Chemistry at Newcastle University. She has joined the Armstrong group for her final year project, focusing on the synthesis of atropisomeric amides. Outside of her studies, Niamh is a competitive Irish Dancer and enjoys climbing and baking.
Vincent Ford – MChem Student
Vincent grew up in Barnsley, South Yorkshire and is currently undertaking his MChem degree in Medicinal Chemistry at Newcastle University. After a summer internship within the Hopkinson group in Newcastle, he has now joined the Armstrong group for his final year project, focusing on mechanochemical reactions of PFAS. Outside of chemistry, Vincent enjoys padel and football.
Previous Members
Dr Aaron Campbell – PhD 2022-2026
Daisy Fern – MChem 2025-2026
Matthew Scaplehorn – MChem 2025-2026
Lauren Archer – MChem 2024-2025
Nancy Garner – MChem 2024-2025
Sofya Galimova – MChem 2023-2024
George Hardy – MChem 2023-2024
Ethan Hall-Lyon – MChem 2022-2023
Elle Watson – MChem 2022-2023
Natalie Roper – MChem 2021-2022
Paige Mathers – MChem 2021-2022