Post Docs
Luana Cardinale
Luana obtained her PhD from the University of Hamburg in 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Axel Jacobi von Wangelin, where her research focused on developing photoredox reactions, including methodologies leveraging 4-substituted Hantzsch esters for the functionalization of alkenes and imines. She then joined the research group of Prof. Shannon Stahl at the University of Wisconsin–Madison as a postdoctoral researcher, where she worked on electrochemical nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling reactions. In July 2026, Luana joined the Gouverneur group as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow. Her current research interests lie at the interface of electrochemistry, catalysis, and synthetic methodology development. Outside the laboratory, Luana enjoys hiking in the mountains, reading fantasy novels, and treasure hunting at local flea markets.
Zijun Chen
Zijun Chen did her MChem at Merton College before joining the VG group; investigating the reconstruction of 31P spectroscopic imaging in vivo in her Part II project. Her DPhil was focused on the copper-mediated radiosynthesis of 18F- and 123I-radiolabelled PARP inhibitors. She enjoys powerlifting and running in her free time.
Joseph Ford
Joe grew up in Reading and graduated with First Class honours in Chemistry from the University of Oxford in 2019. During the summer of 2018 he worked in the lab of Prof. Tobias Ritter, Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung, on the late stage trifluoromethylation of arenes, followed by his Part II year in the Gouverneur Group, where he worked on organocatalytic nucleophilic fluorination. He joined the SBM CDT in September 2019 and completed a rotation in the Duarte group, before rejoining the Gouverneur group in July 2020. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, going to the pub and trying to speak German.
Chris Goult
Chris is originally from Bradford and moved to the University of York for his MChem degree. During his final year project, he worked on the outer-sphere electrophilic fluorination of organometallic ruthenium complexes. After completing his undergraduate study, he completed his PhD working with Prof Jason Lynam and Dr John Slattery using solid-state NMR spectroscopy, in tandem with computational chemistry, to characterise and interpret metal-carbon bonding in organometallic species. After completing his PhD, he has undertaken post-doctoral studies with Prof Duncan Bruce on the direct preparation of cyclo-aurated liquid crystalline complexes using microwave activation. He then completed further post-doctoral studies with Dr Luke Wilkinson, working on the preparation of quadruply bonded dimolybdenum paddlewheel complexes and their functionalisation and assembly into conductive continuous materials. He joined the Gouverneur research group in January 2023. In my free time he enjoys walking, wildlife, and whisky.
Thomas Hohmann
Thomas completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin, specialising in synthetic organic chemistry. Intrigued by the potential of fluorine chemistry, he pursued doctoral research at the same institution under the supervision of Prof. Beate Koksch starting in February 2020. During his PhD, he transitioned to peptide chemistry, working with highly fluorinated peptide models, and exploring fluorine-directed peptide-peptide interactions. In April 2024, Thomas joined the Gouverneur group as a postdoctoral researcher. Outside the laboratory, Thomas enjoys travelling, watching movies, diving into books, and German beer.
Anirban Mondal
Dr Anirban Mondal grew up in Kolkata, the city of joy in the eastern part of India. He then did his master's thesis at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, under the supervision of Prof. Debabrata Maiti and Rodney A. Fernandes. During his master's research, he studied "Directing group-assisted meta- and para-C-H functionalization of arenes by different template-based assembly" and "Total synthesis of the antitumor agent asteriscunolide." In 2016, he joined the group of Prof. Ben L. Feringa, 2016 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, at the University of Groningen for his doctoral research. His PhD thesis is specialized in various chirality transfer processes in the development of chemically driven molecular machines and asymmetric catalysis. After completing his PhD and a short stay in the Feringa group as guest researcher, he joined the Gouverneur group in 2022 as Postdoctoral Research Associate, in the field of asymmetric fluorination. In his spare time, he likes to meet with others, play cricket, and solve crystal structures.
Ella Ogilvy
Ella grew up in Glasgow and completed an MChem, graduating in 2021 from the University of Edinburgh. During her time in Edinburgh, she was a summer student in the group of Prof. Guy Lloyd-Jones working on the synthesis of fluorinated photo-switches. Her final year was spent at ETH Zürich under the supervision of Prof. Peter Chen working on experimental gas-phase and DFT methods to investigate Cu-catalysed C-H carboxylations using CO2. Prior to this, in 2018, she worked in the lab of Prof. Hermann Wegner at Justus-Liebig University, Giessen synthesising phthalazine derivatives for use in redox flow batteries. Ella joined the Gouverneur group in October 2021 to begin her DPhil in Organic Chemistry. When not in the lab, Ella enjoys playing in orchestras, baking, and hiking.
Johanna Schlögl
Johanna grew up in Berlin, where she also completed her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin under the supervision of Prof. Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel, working on the synthesis of perfluorinated peroxides and organosilver(II) complexes. After a short research stay at the University of St. Andrews in the group of Prof. David O’Hagan in 2020, she returned to the Riedel group in 2021 with a Kekulé scholarship from the VCI and obtained her PhD in 2025. In her thesis, titled: “The Tritylium Tale: From Lewis superacids and superelectrophiles to luminescent radicals”, she explored the colourful and bright world of perhalofluorinated triphenylmethyl species employing the fluorine substituent to alter chemical reactivity and physical properties. Following her PhD, she took up a postdoctoral position in the group of Prof. Thomas Risse setting up a spatially-resolved operando-EPR experiment. In October 2026, she joined the Gouverneur group with a Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Her current research interests lie in sustainable inorganic chemistry, particularly using mechanochemical approaches. In her spare time, Johanna is usually knitting when she is not playing the violin in an orchestra.
Chao Wang
Chao grew up in Jiangsu, a beautiful region in southeastern China, where he achieved his master’s degree. He then obtained his PhD at University of Cincinnati in 2025 under the supervision of Prof. Wei Liu, where he worked on developing copper catalyzed C-C bond formation methodologies and applying them to radiosynthesis. He was fully trained to conduct radio-reactions at NIH (USA) when he was a visiting researcher in Dr. Victor Pike group in 2024. After spending one more year in Liu group at Virginia Tech after graduation, Chao joined the Gouverneur group as a postdoctoral research associate in October 2026, looking forward to continuing his research on transition metal mediated F-18 and C-11 labeling for PET imaging. When he is free, he likes playing basketball and meeting with friends.
Alan Wortman
Alan is originally from College Station, Texas. He began studying chemistry at Texas A&M University where he performed research under Prof. David Powers investigating hypervalent iodine species as catalytic intermediates for oxidative reactions. During his undergraduate studies, he also worked briefly in the lab of Prof. Tobias Ritter at the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung developing new methods for trifluoromethylation using aryl thianthrenium salts. After completing his B.S., he moved to the University of Michigan where he completed his Ph.D. studies with Prof. Corey Stephenson investigating the development of high-throughput technologies for enabling flow photochemistry. In September 2024, Alan joined the Gouverneur group as a postdoctoral researcher where he will be studying new methods for radiolabeling. Outside of the laboratory, Alan enjoys running, photography, and going to concerts.
DPhils (4th Year)
Caleb Doyle
Caleb grew up in Liverpool and completed his MSci in Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2022. His final year project, under the supervision of Dr James Dowden, focused on developing a concise synthesis to a novel opioid scaffold. Caleb also completed a year-long industry placement at GW Pharmaceuticals in 2020/21, synthesising cannabinoids with potential anti-epileptic activity. He extended his placement to work in the botanical branch of GW, developing novel cannabis extraction techniques. Caleb joined the Gouverneur group in August 2022 to begin his DPhil in Organic Chemistry. In his free time, Caleb enjoys woodcarving, cooking, and repairing and restoring tools, antiques, and other curios.
Nicolas Charalambous
After 2 years of military service, Nicolas completed his bachelor's degree in chemistry at the university of St Andrews. There, he joined the group of Prof. Rebecca Goss, working on a novel detection method of halogenated amino acids utilising fluorescent probes. Following work as a spectroscopist for a year, he undertook a traineeship at the German Oncology Centre in his native Cyprus, where he developed a keen interest in positron emission tomography and radiopharmaceutical chemistry. He returned to St Andrews for his master's degree under Prof. David O'Hagan, focusing on the development of novel 18F-fluorinated A2A adenosine receptor agonists for PET imaging. In 2023 he joined the Gouverneur group as a DPhil student to further pursue his interest in radiolabelling. Outside the lab, Nicolas can be found at a tennis court or teaching a cooking class.
Zian Wang
Zian grew up in China and completed his BA and MSc degrees at the University of Cambridge. During the summer of 2022, Zian worked on the photoredox synthesis of tetrahydro-naphthyridines under the supervision of Prof Matthew Gaunt. He remained in the same research group for his Master's project, working towards primary amine homologation via deaminative radical generation. Zian joined the Gouverneur group in October 2023 to begin his DPhil in Organic Chemistry. In his spare time, Zian enjoys orchestral music, travelling, and reading.
DPhils (3rd Year)
Theodore Jefferson
Theodore (Teddy) grew up in the United States of America, where he completed his B.S. in Chemistry: Synthesis and Chemical Biology at the University of Texas at Austin. There, he held multiple teaching appointments and studied both transition metal catalysed organic methods under Prof. Kami Hull and physical organic chemistry under Prof. Eric Anslyn. His undergraduate dissertation focused on a copper catalysed three-component carboamination of vinylcyclopropanes, and he also helped develop a rhodium catalysed tandem reaction of diallyl ethers to yield α,β-disubstituted amides & esters. With his primary interest being the pharmaceutical applications of organic chemistry, Teddy is interested in leveraging physical organic analysis to develop novel fluorination methods. To that end, Teddy joined the Gouverneur group in October 2024 to pursue his DPhil (Ph.D.) in Organic Chemistry. When he isn't in the lab, you can find Teddy playing Chopin on the piano, having a cold brew or coffee liqueur (depending on the time of day!), and missing his corgi Mari back home. He is also the #1 Evelynn player in the North American superserver on League of Legends.
Columbus Layton
Columbus did his MChem at Oxford as an undergraduate at Jesus College. He completed his Part II in 2024 in the Gouverneur group. He returned to the group later that year to begin his DPhil, still working on sustainable chemistry, moving down the road to Magdalen College. In his free time, he can be found by the river, (still) rowing for Jesus College Boat Club. He also enjoys dancing salsa, cooking, and baking desserts for his friends.
Maddison Lovell
Maddison is from Bath, Somerset and received her MChem degree from the University of St Andrews. This included an external placement year at GSK, Stevenage, working as a synthetic chemist in the chemical modalities department. Maddison was supervised by Prof. Allan Watson for her final year masters project, working on the development of an asymmetric photocatalytic cross coupling using styrene boronic acids. After this, Maddison stayed in the Watson group for a summer placement, working on Chan-Lam couplings of benzoxaboroles. Maddison joined the SBM CDT in 2023, and completed her first rotation in the Willis group. In her spare time, Maddison enjoys going to the gym and spending time with friends.
DPhils (2nd Year)
Janelle Amegatse
Janelle completed her B.S. with honours in Chemistry at the University of Arizona in May 2025. During her degree, she investigated heterocyclic carbocations for symmetrical redox flow batteries under Prof. Thomas Gianetti. During the summer of 2024, she researched fluorinated polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries at the University of Chicago under Prof. Chibueze Amanchukwu as an NSF REU research intern. She joined the IMAT CDT in September 2025, where her doctoral research concerns the development of liquid electrolytes for fluoride ion batteries. Outside of the lab, she can be found enjoying a book, baking, and spending time outdoors.
Benjamin Cave Calland
Ben grew up in Málaga, Spain and currently lives in Bath. He completed his MChem at St. John's College, Oxford, where he joined the Gouverneur Group in September 2024 for his Part II year in the Molecular Imaging subgroup. Alongside his undergraduate studies, he undertook a placement with Prof. Angela Russell, working on PROTAC synthesis for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Later, he also worked at the Adolphe Merkle Institute with Prof. Christoph Weder on healable polymers utilising dynamic non-covalent bonds. He then took part in the 2024 GSK Residential Training Experience. He returned to the Gouverneur Group in October 2025 to start his DPhil as part of the CSHP CDT. In his free time, he enjoys playing the clarinet and drums as well as playing golf and squash.
Robert Douglas
Robert completed his MChem at the University of Manchester in 2024, undertaking his project with Dr Darren Willcox looking at iron phosphino-borane complexes, having previously undertaken a year in industry at Mitsubishi Chemical Group in Redcar, where he looked at new sustainable routes to the production of methyl methacrylate. He will be working on a joint project with the Aldridge group as part of the new IMAT CDT.
Sam Fineman
Sam recently completed his MChem at Christ Church, Oxford where he now tutors inorganic chemistry to undergraduates. He joined the group as a Part II in 2024, and is now continuing his masters research as a DPhil student in sustainable fluorine chemistry. During his degree, he has undertaken research projects with AstraZeneca and the UK National Crystallography Service in Southampton. Outside of the lab, Sam is a keen rugby player and musician.
Sam Power
Sam is from London and recently completed his MChem at the University of Oxford. During his master's research project, Sam investigated a simplified approach to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor recycling to drive biocatalytic halogenation, supervised by Professor Kylie Vincent. His upcoming project is joint with the Aldridge group. In his spare time Sam enjoys playing tennis, piano and spending time with friends.
Melina Tschopp
Melina grew up in Zug, a small canton in Switzerland, and completed both her Bachelor's and Master's in chemistry at the University of Bern in the group of Prof. Eva Hevia. During her time there, she investigated the catalytic deuterium incorporation into small molecules using organosodium reagents. She then joined the IMAT CDT in 2024. Outside of the lab, Melina enjoys iceskating and spending time with friends and family.
Jade Watson
Jade completed her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Victoria. Throughout her studies, she conducted research under the supervision of Prof. Ian Manners which focused on the synthesis of phosphorus-based small molecules and polymers. She also spent a summer placement in the lab of Prof. Rebekka Klausen at Johns Hopkins University and synthesized silicon-based polymers for polymeric networks. Following graduation, she moved to the University of Cambridge and completed an MPhil with Prof. Dominic Wright on the synthesis of calcium-based electrolyte salts. Jade joined the Gouverneur group in October 2025 to begin her DPhil in Chemistry.
DPhils (1st Year)
William Aye
Will completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry and history at the University of Michigan in May 2026. During his degree, he worked under the supervision of Prof. Alison Narayan on the biocatalysis of non-canonical amino acids. Throughout the summer of 2024, he investigated the synthesis of N-sulfonylhydroxyl-2-oxazolidinones under Prof. László Kürti at Rice University as an NSF REU scholar. He then participated in a second NSF REU at the University of Pennsylvania the following year, working under the supervision of Prof. Dirk Trauner on the total synthesis of furanocembranoids. He joined the Gouverneur Group in October 2026 as a Skaggs-Oxford Scholar, beginning his DPhil in Chemistry. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, listening to audiobooks, pickleball, and board games.
Maria Jespersen
Maria is from Copenhagen, Denmark and completed her MChem at the University of Oxford. She joined the Gouverneur Group in September 2025, conducting her part II project in the Molecular Imaging Subgroup. Maria returned to the group in October 2026 to pursue her DPhil. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoys playing rugby, rowing, embroidering, and cooking.
Xintong Xiao
Cindy completed her MSci in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at Imperial College London. Her final-year research project, supervised by Professor Nicholas Long, focused on developing synthetic methods to incorporate therapeutic payloads into heme oxygenase-1-activated porphyrin scaffolds for targeted drug delivery. This experience strengthened her interest in organic synthesis and its applications in medicine. She joined the Gouverneur group as a DPhil student in October 2026. Outside the lab, Cindy enjoys baking and playing mahjong, with the ambition of becoming a professional mahjong player one day.
Part II
Adzor Atkins
Adzor is from London and joined the Gouverneur group as a Part II student in his fourth year at the University of Oxford. During his research project, he will be focusing on fluorocyclopropanation and exploring its broader applications. Outside of the lab, Adzor enjoys going to the gym, bouldering, and travelling.
Nicholas Su
Originally from Taiwan and California, Nick is currently an undergraduate at Exeter College Oxford. He has spent his summers pursuing projects in electrochemistry, organometallic catalysis, and organocatalysis between the groups of Professor Yogi Surendranath, Professor Richard Liu, and Professor Mike Aziz. He is excited to apply these experiences to facilitate the sustainable synthesis of fluorochemicals in the Gouverneur Group for his Part II Project. When he is not at his desk or his hood, he can be found as the Warden of the Squidgers of the Oxford Tiddlywinks Society, translating science fiction books, gaming, or going on a walk in the Wytham Woods.
Zixin Yang
Zixin is a fourth-year MChem Chemistry student at St Peter's College, University of Oxford. He is joining the Gouverneur group for his Part II project, where his research focuses on Gaussian Processes for Bayesian Optimisation. His research interests include computational chemistry, ML, and CADD. Outside the lab, he enjoys music, sim racing, photography, and going to the gym.