Bio: Ethan started his PhD in the group in September 2025, having previously graduated from the University of Birmingham with an MEng in Nuclear Engineering. During his undergraduate studies, he completed a summer internship at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and carried out a final-year research project on isotopically modified molybdenum for low-activation divertors. He has since shifted his research focus to fission and is now exploring advanced zirconium alloys for Generation IV nuclear power systems.
Outside the lab, Ethan volunteers with a local conservation group; mostly driving minibuses and getting in the way. He is also a Beaver Scout leader, where he entertains small children and builds irresponsibly large bonfires.
PhD Project: High Temperature Zirconium Alloys for Nuclear Fusion and Generation IV Fission Reactors
Ethan’s research focuses on the development of advanced zirconium alloys with enhanced high-temperature performance, using titanium metallurgy as an analogy for alloy design. His work combines computational and empirical alloy development, advanced characterisation techniques, mechanical testing, and irradiation campaigns.
Ethan’s PhD is co-sponsored with UKNNL co-supervised by Dr Helen Swan
Techniques used: Arc melting, FIB, SEM, TEM, EBSD, XRD, mechanical testing, irradiation, FISPACT, STRIM, Spectra-PKA, OpenMC
