The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Katie's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Katie
Research Interests
I am a materials and environmental scientist specialising in the experimental characterisation and modelling of porous materials, with a strong focus on nuclear graphite and its role in reactor safety, performance, and sustainability. My expertise lies in coupling advanced experimental techniques (e.g. mercury porosimetry, helium pycnometry, gas adsorption, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, image analysis) with computational modelling to reveal how microstructure governs permeability, diffusion, and fluid flow across complex porous networks.
My work has directly informed the UK Nuclear Safety Case for the Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fleet, supporting life-extension decisions through detailed understanding of irradiated graphite behaviour. I have secured and delivered industry-funded projects with EDF Energy and international partners, spanning nuclear fuel pellets, shale gas reservoirs, advanced concrete composites, mineral-insulated cables, and recycled materials.
I am currently a Co-Investigator on ENLIGHT, a £13M programme grant, which will extend the UK’s expertise from AGRs to Generation IV Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). This project adopts a full lifecycle approach, encompassing graphite selection and performance, as well as waste management, to ensure the safe and timely deployment of new reactor technologies in the 2030s. We will achieve this through collaborative research in challenging areas such as Graphite Selection & Core Design (GS&CD), Graphite Performance (GP) and Waste Management (WM).
Through my role as Facilities Director for the Radioisotope and Advanced Materials Suite (RAMS), I lead the integration of cutting-edge laboratory capability with high-performance modelling, positioning ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú as a unique national hub for analysing radioactive advanced materials.
Grant Funding
ENLIGHT (EPSRC £13M (£8M + £5M industrial in-kind, 2025–2030, Co-Investigator): Graphite lifecycle research for Advanced Modular Reactors
Innovate UK PROWASTE (£225k, 2024–2026, Co-I): Developing scalable remanufacturing processes for waste volatile anaesthetics.
EDF Energy (£280k, PI): Computational modelling of porosity, permeability, and diffusive properties of AGR nuclear graphite.
EDF Energy (£70k, PI): Effects of irradiation and radiolytic oxidation on pore networks in nuclear graphite.
PoreXpert & YPF (£60k, Co-PI): Porosity and fluid-flow characterisation of Vaca Muerta shale.
CDORE (£5k, Co-PI): Development of fire-resistant graphene-oxide concrete.
Experience
2025 - Present - Facilities Director for RAMs (Radioisotope and Advanced Materials Suite) - ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
2025 - Present - Deputy RPS for University campus - ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
2022 - 2025 - Co-Facilities Director for CoRIF Ìý(Consolidated Radioisotope Facility) - ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú.
2021 - Present - Lecturer in Environmental Chemistry - ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú.
2019 - 2021 -Ìý Post-Doctoral Research Fellow - ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú.
2017 - 2019 - Environmental Research Consultant - PoreXpert Ltd.Ìý
2013 - 2018 Customer Support and Laboratory Manager - PoreXpert Lt»åÌý
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Additional training:Ìý
- Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)
- ISO9001 Trained Auditor
Teaching
I teach across Chemistry and Environmental Science programmes, from foundation to master’s level, with a focus on analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and advanced materials. My teaching blends cutting-edge research with hands-on learning, giving students practical experience in state-of-the-art techniques while exploring real-world challenges such as pollution, sustainability, and nuclear materials. I also supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, supporting the next generation of scientists.
Contact Katie
A506 Portland Square, Drake Circus,, ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú, PL4 8AA
+44 1752 584564
katie.jones@plymouth.ac.uk