Mason Wakley
At school, and even to this day, there never was one subject that I liked above the rest, I just liked learning. I decided to go down the chemistry route when I was picking my A-Levels, thanks to a very enthusiastic chemistry teacher, and the realisation that chemistry was the best way to learn the most about the world around me. Since my school days, I have gone on to complete a master’s degree at the University of Oxford. During this time, I completed an internship at the Francis Crick Institute exploring inorganic antimicrobial complexes, before entering the field of lanthanide photochemistry for my master’s research project. After finishing my studies, I spent some time as research assistant working at the interface between polymers and nanoparticles.
My research experiences have certainly been varied and I like to bring this breadth to my writing, something that I first started to dabble at whilst at university.
In my spare time, I like to run, crochet, and cook.
ResearchSupramolecular gels improve performance of aircraft deicing fluids
Made using low-cost reagents, the gels could be more sustainable than current anti-icing products
ResearchShedding light on how photoactive crystals respond in real time
Lauren Hatcher discusses her work developing techniques for time-resolved crystallography
NewsWhat could the future of nanoscience look like?
Nanotechnologists think the next 25 years will bring advances in quantum computing, novel materials and medicine
ResearchSimple yet elusive ortho-phosphite anion finally synthesised
Researchers suggest synthetically versatile anion could be a more sustainable source of phosphorus
ResearchProbability model guides synthesis of interwoven catenane structure
Organic cage-like compounds selectively form intricate structure during one-pot synthesis
ResearchExquisite stereochemical control will allow creation of millions of unique polymers
New method take inspiration from established techniques like those used to synthesise DNA
BusinessTaking aerogel insulation from spacecraft to living space
Nanoplume’s bio-based materials are super-insulating but also cheap and scalable
Research‘Plumbyne’ compound featuring multiple carbon–lead bonds synthesised
Relatively weak π bonding in the structure opens up possibility for various chemical reactions
NewsMethanol poisoning: the chemistry behind how a toxic alcohol gets into drinks
Methanol in alcoholic drinks kills thousands every year. How does this toxic compound enter drinks, why is it dangerous and what can you do to stay safe?
ResearchModular strategy opens up new way to synthesise arylated thiophene rings
Approach holds potential for creating new drugs and unique optoelectronic materials
ResearchMechanochemical upcycling of Teflon creates valuable fluorinated molecules
Milling with sodium metal produces source of fluorine for chemical transformations
CareersStarting a chemistry PhD as a mature student
The benefits and challenges of returning to academia after a period away
ResearchTransforming toxic arsenic sludge into a valuable commodity for green technologies, electronics
A simple process extracts valuable pure arsenic metal from groundwater treatment waste
ResearchCalcium bicarbonate crystals synthesised for first time
Scientists fill ‘historical gap in textbooks’ to resolve the crystal structure of this simple yet elusive mineral
BusinessSailing towards recycling composite textiles
Sustainable Extricko is using superheated steam and pressure to recycle intractable materials used in sailing
ResearchReflective cement could help buildings stay cool in hot weather
‘Supercooling’ material could drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption associated with air conditioning units
ResearchDiscovery of unusual iodine–silver bond opens up new possibilities for coordination chemistry
Crystallographic studies reveal that the bond is similar in length to typical metal–metal bonds
Research30-year-old solar panels still going strong
Reliabilities of modules manufactured in the late 1980s and early 1990s provide design lessons for modern photovoltaics
CareersTeaching the next generation of cosmetic scientists
Trailblazing course receives accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry
ResearchRule-breaking reaction unlocks a new level for photoredox catalysis
Sidestepping photophysical principle harnesses higher energy states