Mr Stephen Donegan MPhys AFHEA

Profile

I am a doctoral candidate within nuclear engineering at the School of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Leeds, where I investigate intensified ion exchange technologies for the capture of radioactive contaminants from complex waste streams.

My academic journey combines physics, philosophy, chemical engineering and education. I hold an integrated Master’s degree in physics with philosophy from the University of York and have previously undertaken postgraduate research at the University of Newcastle in association with the Institute of Physics.

My current research focuses on developing modular intensified ion exchange systems capable of selectively removing strontium and cesium from contaminated waters, supporting decommissioning and environmental remediation.

Alongside my research, I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, (AFHEA), a graduate teaching assistant, demonstrator and specialist mathematics tutor. I regularly support undergraduate teaching, provide academic skills development, and work with students from a wide range of backgrounds to build confidence and proficiency in mathematics and science.

I am actively involved in academic representation as a Postgraduate Research Representative, working with students, faculty colleagues and university leadership to enhance the postgraduate research experience. Beyond my academic work, I contribute to public engagement, science communication, parliamentary energy groups and museum based initiatives exploring the relationship between science, society and long-term stewardship.

I am honoured to be part of a vibrant research community at Leeds, contributing to the research addressing the technical, environmental and societal challenges within sustainable energy solutions.

Research interests

• Nuclear waste treatment and environmental remediation
• Ion exchange and adsorption technologies
• Process intensification
• Nuclear decommissioning
• Nuclear semiotics and long-term stewardship
• Museum studies and science communication
• Science policy and governance
• Public engagement

Qualifications

• Doctoral Candidate, University of Leeds (current)
• MPhys (Hons) Physics with Philosophy, University of York
• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of the Institute of Physics
• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
• Member of the Nuclear Institute

Research groups and interests

• Nuclear Engineering Group
• School of Chemical and Process Engineering
• PGR Representative
• Graduate Teaching Assistant
• Maths Tutor
• Parliamentary and policy involvement
• Science communication
• Museum and heritage demonstration and interpretation

Research interests

• Ion exchange
• Nuclear semiotics
• Museum studies
• Governance

Qualifications

• Masters in Physics (with Philosophy)
• Associate Fellow HEA

Research groups and institutes

• Nuclear Engineering