Mr Josh Fennell

About

Josh is a SoCoBio PhD student working in both the Applied Optics Group (AOG) at the University of Kent and the Pest & Pathogen Ecology department (PPE) at NIAB East Malling. His project focuses on using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a tool to obtain both structural and functional information on the infection of cherries by the fungal pathogen Monilinia laxa. Focus is on latent infections that could develop into rotting post-harvest with an aim in assisting in the development of effective disease management strategies.

Education

MChem Chemistry with Industrial Experience, University of Hull (2013-2017)

Final Year thesis: Investigating liquid crystal phases by solid-state, magic-angle-spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The aim of the thesis was to understand some fundamental behaviour between liquid crystals. This includes interactions between chiral and non-chiral liquid crystals in a mixture and how smectic phase molecules may diffuse within or between layers.

Work Experience

• Apeel Sciences – Senior Scientist (2022-2023); Field Scientist & Process Engineer (2020-2022)
• ValetPRO Ltd – Head of R&D (2018-2020); Formulation Scientist (2017-2018)
• Diversey – Formulation Scientist, 3rd year industrial placement of university degree (12 months 2015-2016)