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.
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
ResearchReactivity of helium could be unlocked by a combination of fluorine and extreme pressures
Computational studies reveal covalent helium-fluorine bonds
NewsUncovering the fraudsters and their schemes responsible for polluting the scientific literature
Analysis claims poor quality articles containing faked data are in danger of overwhelming journals
ResearchRare diamond with unique hexagonal structure is harder than natural counterpart
Millimetre-sized chunks of unusual carbon allotrope were synthesised from graphite
OpinionWordle meets the periodic table: Five games to test your chemistry knowledge
Love Wordle and chemistry? Combine the two with these daily chemistry-themed word games
ResearchClever carbene chemistry offers unified way to make cyclopropanes
Radical route cuts out explosive reagents
ResearchUltralightweight aerogels remain stable even under extreme conditions
A unique dome-shaped structural design leads to enhanced thermal and elastic properties
ResearchAI model links consumer ratings to white wines’ chemical profiles
Machine learning offers insight into how chemical markers influence perceptions of wine quality
ResearchOrganometallic compound found to break textbook principle
A ferrocene-derived complex is a further exception to the 18-electron rule
ResearchSilicon-based ‘ladder molecules’ take a step up in complexity
New compounds are ‘among the most complex organosilanes ever synthesised’
ResearchLinear structure gives dysprosium complex record-breaking magnetic properties
A new dysprosium-based single-molecule magnet works at higher temperatures than others in its class
ResearchPitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research