People and contacts
Meet the EMERC team and members.
Director
Professor Cyril Crua
I am Professor of Engineering with more than 25 years’ experience on the development and application of optical measurement techniques to investigate the microscale physics of complex multiphase flows.
My research focuses on fluids, heat and mass transfer processes in the energy, biomedical and manufacturing sectors, such as fuel sprays, industrial process fluids (lubricants, coolants, carbon capture solvents), and biomedical fluid dynamics (droplet impacts, bioartificial organs, intraocular lenses).
Email: C.Crua@sussex.ac.uk
Academic staff
Professor Peter Fussey
I joined the TFMRC in 2022 after 25 years in the Automotive Industry where I was a Technical Authority in Control Systems. Over my career I have worked in many areas including Thermal Systems, Hybrid and Electric vehicles, Battery Management, Engine and Emissions Control, Connected Vehicles and Noise Vibration and Harshness.
I research technologies required to deliver net zero emissions and my current interests include Thermal Systems, Battery and Vehicle Energy Management, Model Predictive Control, Optimal Control, Data analytics and Modelling.
Email: P.M.Fussey@sussex.ac.uk
Professor Esra Sorguven
I research and teach in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics since 2004, and joined the TFMRC in 2016. My research is interdisciplinary, encompassing mechanical and biological applications.
Most of my research is conducted in collaboration with industrial partners in areas such as net zero heating systems, digital twinning, and patient-specific treatment and drug delivery systems.
Email: E.Sorguven@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Jon Powell
I’m an Assistant Professor in Engineering. I obtained my PhD from the University of Birmingham and have spent several years in industry, focusing on ceramics processing including R&D in cemented carbide tool manufacture. I am also a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).
My research interests now centre on materials processing and fabrication with specific interests in multifunctional catalyst formulation and manufacture, solid oxide fuel cell manufacture and engineering ceramics formulation, processing, and shaping.
Email: J.D.powell@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Vasudevan Kanjirakkad
I joined the TFMRC in 2011 where I am currently an Associate Professor. Prior to joining Sussex, I worked both in industry and academia primarily focusing on turbomachinery aerothermodynamics.
My research aims to understand, innovate, and improve turbomachines and related applications to increase performance and reduce adverse environmental effects. Some of my recent projects have focused on flow and heat transfer within gas turbine seals and disc cavity systems, stall margin improvement in compressors, and unsteady flow transition over blade surfaces.
Email: V.Kanjirakkad@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Kun Liang
I’m an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering. I was a Harry Kroto Research Fellow at KTH, Sweden, and received my DPhil from the University of Oxford, where I worked until 2016.
My research covers low-carbon heating, cooling and power systems, cryogenics, and electronics cooling. I have served on the Programme Committee for the International Cryogenic Engineering Conference and the Technical Committee for the International Green Energy Conference, and I’m a Guest Editor of the International Journal of Refrigeration and Editorial Board member of Frontiers in Thermal Engineering.
Email: Kun.Liang@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Mark Puttock-Brown
I joined the TFMRC in 2017 after completing my PhD at the centre. I’m currently an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering.
My current research interests are centred around experimental methods applied to a range of thermal systems problems, from gas turbine internal air systems to biomedical devices and domestic products, working towards net-zero.
Email: M.Puttock-Brown@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Martin White
I joined the TFMRC in 2022 and am currently an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and the previous holder of a RAEng Research Fellowship (2019-24).
My current research interests are centred around thermodynamic cycles and turbomachinery components that can be used to provide net zero power, heating and cooling using low-temperature heat sources.
Email: Martin.White@sussex.ac.uk
Professor Julian Dunne
I’m a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex, with over three decades of experience at the University. My research focuses on dynamics and control for decarbonising road transport, and thermal management through spray evaporative cooling of vibrating boundaries.
I specialise in nonlinear dynamic analysis of deterministic and stochastic systems and optimal control, and inverse modelling using conventional and AI tools. I serve on the editorial boards of the Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vehicles, and of Autonomous Intelligence.
Email: J.F.Dunne@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Spyros Skarvelis-Kazakos
I joined the University of Sussex in 2015 and am an Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering. I received my PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Cardiff University and have worked in the energy field since 2005.
My research focuses on power system resilience, critical infrastructure interdependencies, climate adaptation of energy networks, smart grids, energy storage, EV charging, microgrids, and intelligent agents. I engage with industry through IEEE and CIGRE and founded the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Network (CIReN) at Sussex.
Dr Philip D.Howes
I’m an Assistant Professor in Engineering and Design. My research focuses on particulate materials science and engineering. The research has two streams:
Engineering Functional Nanoparticles: This stream of work looks to expedite the translation of nanomaterials from the fundamental study through to advanced applications.
Mitigating Particle Pollution: This stream looks at the potential of ultrafine particulate matter to cause harm to both human and environmental health.
Email: P.D.Howes@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Fan Zhang
I’ve been an Associate Professor in Engineering and Design at the University of Sussex since 2020. I received my PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, where I worked as a researcher, and previously earned my master’s from Xiamen University and bachelor’s from Tianjin University.
My research focuses on advanced materials, including alloy corrosion and passivation, and self-powered sensing and energy harvesting using triboelectric nanogenerators. I have secured funding from organisations including EPSRC and the Royal Society, supporting impactful research and innovation.
Email: ZhangFan@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Fan Zhang
I joined the University of Sussex in 2021 where I am an Associate Professor. I received my PhD in Control Engineering from the University of Sheffield and have worked in the energy field since 2010.
My research focuses on control and optimisation of renewable power generation, particularly hydrogen for energy storage. It spans component-level control (solar PV, wind turbines, hydrogen fuel cells) to system-level integration and optimisation, including renewable microgrids, power-to-gas, and vehicle-to-grid technologies.
Email: Fan.Zhang@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Chang Wang
I conduct research and teach in the Department of Engineering and Design. I am the course convenor for the BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering.
My main research interests include additive manufacturing, orthopaedic implant design, and engineering analysis. I currently have over 130 refereed journal articles, international conference papers, and book chapters. I have excellent collaborations with industry and other institutions on research.
Email: C.J.Wang@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Ming Huang
I’m an Assistant Professor in Engineering and Design at the University of Sussex (since 2025) and an Honorary Lecturer at Imperial College London. I completed my PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial having previously been a Research Associate there and a Research Engineer at Dongfang Electric Corporation.
My research develops ultrasonic technologies for non-destructive materials characterisation and monitoring, spanning polycrystalline microstructures, Li-ion batteries, and applications in metal additive manufacturing and hydrogen storage.
Email: Ming.Huang@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Shikang Feng
I’m an Assistant Professor in Engineering and Design at the University of Sussex. I’m also a Long-term Visiting Academic at the University of Oxford where I obtained my DPhil in Materials and worked as a postdoc and senior researcher.
My research focuses on sustainable materials for transport and energy, spanning metallic material design, processing, and characterisation. Key areas include phase transformations using synchrotron X-ray imaging and electron microscopy and novel materials for hydrogen applications.
Email: Shikang.Feng@sussex.ac.uk
Dr Yevgen Petrov
I have been a Reader in Structural Dynamics at the University of Sussex Since late 2011. I obtained my PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Kharkov Polytechnic University, Ukraine, where I held positions from Junior to Principal Researcher. I was a Research Fellow at the University of Liège, Belgium, and I worked as a Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College London.
My expertise is in the analysis and optimisation of nonlinear structural dynamics for gas-turbine engines and turbomachinery, and I have authored over 240 publications.
Email: Y.Petrov@sussex.ac.uk
Research staff
Dr Henry Dore
I joined TFMRC as an early career researcher in 2022 following the completion my MSc and subsequent PhD at the University of Sussex.
I specialise in the design of electronic and electromechanical embedded test systems, and my research interests include novel biomedical devices, sustainability, and green technologies.
Email: H.Dore@sussex.ac.uk
Yizhen Yan
I’m a Research Fellow in the Department of Engineering and Design at the University of Sussex since 2024. I obtained Ph.D., master’s and bachelor’s degrees from East China University of Science and Technology.
My research mainly focuses on the surface and corrosion science, exploring lignin and mussel adhesive proteins (MAP) as sustainable anti-corrosion agents for carbon steel. I also work on enhancing macro- and micromolecule crystallization using hydrogel and polymer materials.
Email: Yizhen.Yan@sussex.ac.uk
Visiting researchers
Dr Hejun Hui
I am a Visiting Research Fellow in the Energy and Materials Engineering Research Centre at the University of Sussex, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. I received my PhD from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
My research focuses on sustainable cryocoolers and cryogenic systems, including high-efficiency systems based on pulse tube, Stirling, and Joule–Thomson technologies. I also design low-noise cryostats with precise temperature and vibration control, supporting applications in quantum technologies and superconducting systems.
Email: H.Hui@sussex.ac.uk
Research support staff
Graham Brooks
I’m a Senior Teaching Technician based within the TMFRC.
I’m the main point of contact for SEF and Health and Safety related matters. I also support experimental projects within the TFMRC.
Email: gb451@sussex.ac.uk
PhD research students
Fergus Murphy-Hunt
I have studied for an MSc Advanced in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex. I have previous experience in design of scientific equipment and practical experience of construction and renewable heating systems.
My research interests include: Transitional behaviour of supercritical fluids, cryogenic turbo machinery, and heat pump technology.
Email: F.Murphy-Hunt@sussex.ac.uk
Changtong Xu
I finished my MSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex in 2023. In 2024, I started as a PhD student and Doctoral Tutor at TFMRC.
My research is based on the Joule-Thomson (J-T) cryocooler, which uses mixed refrigerants to achieve a wider cooling temperature range for use in trapped ion quantum computers.
Email: cx63@sussex.ac.uk
Francis Adams
I have been with the TFMRC since my graduation in 2021 and have enjoyed working on varied and exciting projects. In 2023, I began my PhD with external sponsorship.
My current research involves a conceptual design for a low noise external unit of a residential air source heat pump. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate flow through the external unit, the aim is to find a quiet optimal design by utilising collected datasets, search algorithms, and machine learning techniques.
Email: F.J.Adams@sussex.ac.uk
Campbell Marlow-Eastwood
I joined the TFMRC in 2023 to start working towards my PhD which is titled an Optical Investigation of Cryogenic Fluids.
My research focuses on refuelling cryogenic tanks with LH2 (liquid hydrogen) and LNG (liquefied natural gas) to be used as renewable fuels for transportation. Using experimental data, the main aim of the study is to observe the fluid spray during the refuelling process and to determine ways to limit fuel evaporation due to heat transfer.
Sevil Incir
I joined TFMRC in 2022 as a PhD student and currently work as R&D Manager at Alarko Carrier.
My current research interests are in the combustion of hydrogen and designing 100% hydrogen boilers for domestic use as an alternative to net-zero carbon heating.
Email: Sevil.Incir@sussex.ac.uk
Peiying Sun
I’m a PhD student and an Associate Tutor.
My current research is interdisciplinary and encompasses mechanical and biological applications. I’m using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model and analyse the transient effect of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) outflow to the cardiovascular system, which involves utilising high-performance computing (HPC), developing user-defined function (UDF), creating dynamic mesh, and setting non-Newtonian flow properties.
Email: Peiying.sun@sussex.ac.uk
Nihan Ucar
I started the PhD in 2022 and my research topic is the thermodynamic modelling of 100% H2 boilers.
The focus of the research is developing a reliable and detailed thermodynamic boiler model for pure hydrogen fuel along with hydrogen blends. I plan to extend my research area to environmentally friendly hybrid heating systems. I also work on centrifugal pump design within a company.
Email: au90@sussex.ac.uk
Charlie Westpfel
I joined the University of Sussex in 2019 where I completed my master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am now a PhD Candidate and Doctoral Tutor based in the TFMRC.
My research is focussed on the experimental study of two-phase flow within expander technologies to improve organic Rankine cycle performance for the utilisation of low-temperature waste heat sources.
Email: cw529@sussex.ac.uk
Nibin Qian
I began my PhD in 2022, focusing on the optimisation of linear compressors for cryocooler applications.
My research combines experimental and computational approaches, using a dedicated test rig to evaluate performance under varied conditions and developing MATLAB models to predict thermodynamic behaviour. This work aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of cryogenic cooling systems for wider use in science and industry.
Email: N.Qian@sussex.ac.uk
Jiayi Yan
I majored in Computer Science and Technology, and Plant Protection, at Henan University of Science and Technology, China, where I earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Engineering, and a Bachelor of Agriculture. This was followed by postgraduate study in Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Zhejiang Gongshang University, China, from which I was awarded an MSc degree by the University of Sussex.
My research interests are focused on the control of autonomous agricultural vehicles.
Alex Gonzalez
I obtained my Batchelors degree in Physics from the Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. This was followed by postgraduate study culminating in an MSc in Particle Physics from the University of Sussex.
My research interests are in vehicle dynamics in motor sport.
James Lok
I joined the EMERC at the University of Sussex in September 2024 after completing my MEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, and am a first-year PhD student funded by the School of Engineering and Informatics.
My research focuses on laser and optical diagnostics for multiphase flows, using machine learning to overcome limitations in Phase Rainbow Refractometry (PRR) for droplet analysis. This work aims to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of PRR, enhancing its application in scientific and industrial contexts, including carbon capture.
Email: F.Lok@sussex.ac.uk
Anuraag Dubbaka
I completed my MSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex in 2023 and joined TFMRC as a PhD student and Doctoral Tutor in 2025.
My research interests are focused on high-performance high-lift heat pumps, which integrate optimal thermodynamic cycle configurations, refrigerant design and compressor technologies to increase overall system level performance of industrial heat pumps.
Email: A.Dubbaka@sussex.ac.uk
Meng Zhang
I started my PhD journey in 2025, focusing on the numerical simulation of helium pulsating heat pipes for superconducting magnets.
My research focuses on helium pulsating heat pipes that use self-excited gas-liquid oscillation to enhance heat transfer for thermal management of superconducting magnets.
Previous members
Professor Martin Rose
I joined the TFMRC in 2015 and I am a Professor of Mechanical Engineering. I’m the Module convenor for Engineering Thermodynamics and Advanced Thermofluids.
My research interests cover renewable energy including urban wind and wave, pressure gain combustion, unsteady work in turbines and space probe projects.
Email: M.G.Rose@sussex.ac.uk
Dr William Wang
I obtained DPhil in engineering sciences from Oxford University, and MEng and DEng from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. I’m an Associate Professor and a member of faculty at Sussex.
My research areas include automotive engineering, digital signal and system analysis, engineering mechanics, thermodynamics and machinery diagnostics.
Email: W.J.Wang@sussex.ac.uk
