Rachel Bocking

Profile

After graduating from the University of Leeds (MChem, BSc Chemistry, 2020), I transitioned into my PhD on the development of graphene-modified nanoelectrodes for in-situ sensing within biomedical and electrocatalytic applications. My project is sponsored by the Bragg Centre and involves working across disciplines, primarily in Chemistry and in close collaboration with Electronic & Electrical Engineering and Medicine.

During my undergraduate degree, I undertook my Master’s research project with Dr Robert Menzel, investigating the use of copper/nanocarbon hybrid materials as catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction. Prior to this, I spent my Year in Industry at Lubrizol, where I utilised novel testing and materials characterisation methods to develop marine diesel engine oil formulations that aligned with incoming environmental regulations.

Research interests

My PhD research focusses on furthering the development of existing functionalised nanoelectrodes. These nanoelectrodes can be utilised as oxygen sensors for the enhancement of screening methods used in IVF treatment. I aim to develop functional nanomaterials that will be incorporated into the nanosensors to dramatically improve their sensitivity and selectivity to oxygen measurement. It is then hoped that these improvements can be demonstrated through testing of the novel functional nanosensor with bovine embryos. These nanoelectrodes may also be used for electrocatalytic applications, such as in sustainable energy research.

Qualifications

• MChem, BSc Chemistry with a Year in Industry (University of Leeds, 2020)