Dr Charlie Wand
Lecturer in Natural Sciences
Location: Physics 704
Charlie is a lecturer in Natural Sciences. His research focuses on simulations of soft matter systems for industrial applications.
Charlie has a MChem in Chemistry from the University of Oxford, before obtaining his PhD from the University of York on "Monte Carlo simulations of confined nematic systems". He then spent a year at the Swedish School of Textiles at the University of Boras where he worked on understanding the molecular mechanisms of thermal actuators and the barrier properties of polymer-clay nanocomposites. He then returned to the UK in 2016 and continued his research as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge working with Professor Daan Frenkel. In 2018 he moved to the University of Manchester where he expanded his research into fast moving consumer goods and coatings as part of two EPSRC funded Prosperity Partnership projects.
His research uses computer simulations to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of soft matter systems. Molecular and mesoscale simulations can provide an insight into material properties that cannot otherwise be investigated and can be used to compliment experimental techniques in explaining and predicting material properties. He has had successful collaborations with a number of companies including AkzoNobel, BP, and Unilever.