Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
References
Patents and Publications
Timeline
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Fiona-Mairéad McKenna PhD.

Fiona-Mairéad McKenna PhD.

Worthing,West Sussex

Summary

Dynamic and accomplished Chief Engineer, with a strong record of delivering on complex projects on time and in budget. Motivational leader with a passion for sustainable technology and finding the best solution. Highly skilled in chemistry and engineering with demonstrated adaptability and innovation across many fields and technologies with over 14 years of industry experience. A keen proponent of clear communication no matter the complexity of the topic. Effective in communicating to all levels of colleague from technician or license partners to CTO.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Chief engineer

Ceres
Horsham, West Sussex
07.2022 - Current
  • Design authority for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyser's for the low carbon transition
  • Lead cross functional engineering teams to solve complex problems with efficiency and accuracy.
  • Delivering advancements in core technology to improve product performance, life and sustainability
  • Leading a maturity program to deliver an 80% reduction in BOM cost and a 20% improvement in life
  • On the winning team for the Royal Academy of Engineering's prestigious MacRobert award 2023

Materials Manufacturing Engineering Lead

Ceres
Horsham, West Sussex
01.2018 - 06.2022
  • Lead the technology transfer of Ceres processes to licensee partners such as Bosch and Doosan
  • Managed and executed engineering projects from conception to completion, adhering to strict timelines and budget constraints.
  • Improved the process monitors and controls to ensure quality and devised new QC and characterisation methods to improve robustness.
  • Proposed engineering solutions to address project challenges and foster on-time completion.

Senior Scientist

Surrey Nanosystems
Newhaven, East Sussex
07.2013 - 01.2018
  • Developed novel advanced coatings for innovative optics and artistic applications leading to the creation of Vantablack
  • Lead a team of researchers to invent multiple coatings with world leading optical properties verified by the national physical laboratory, NASA and ESA
  • Successfully scaled the coatings technology to create a novel centrepiece at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea

Senior Scientist

Johnson Matthey
Sonning Common, Oxfordshire
07.2010 - 12.2013
  • Diesel automotive emissions catalyst systems

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - Surface Science and Catalysis

University of Aberdeen
Scotland
10.2006 - 09.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials

Trinity college
Dublin, Ireland
09.2000 - 07.2004

Skills

  • Goal focussed
  • Critical thinker
  • Data driven decision maker
  • Excellent communication
  • Natural leader
  • Adaptable to high paced work environments
  • Project management
  • Risk assessment
  • Budget controls

Accomplishments

  • MacRobert award 2023

Affiliations

  • Sailing, Offshore racing, Cycling, and dog walking.
  • Languages and cultures

References

References available upon request.

Patents and Publications

  • Interlayer for solid oxide cell - Interlayer for solid oxide cell - WO2021151692A1 · Issued Aug 6, 2021
  • Paint with low light reflectivity GB WO/2019/073210 · Issued Apr 18, 2019
  • Ultra low reflectivity hydrophobic coating and method therefore. GB WO/2017/033031 · Issued Mar 2, 2017
  • NOx Trap Composition US 20140234190 A1 · Issued Aug 21, 2015
  • Enhanced selectivity in acetylene hydrogenation by ligand modified Pd/TiO2 catalysts. F.M, McKenna, R.P.K. Wells, J.A. Anderson, Chemical Communications (2011) Volume: 47, Issue: 8, Pages: 2351-2353
  • Enhanced cell colonization of collagen scaffold by UV/ozone surface processing, C. Liu, F.M. McKenna, H. Liang, A. Johnston, E.W. Abel, Tissue Engineering Part C: Methods. December (2010), Vol. 16, No. 6: 1305-1314
  • Use of water as a solvent in directing hydrogenation reactions of aromatics over Pd/carbon nanofibre catalysts, J.A. Anderson, F.M.McKenna, A.Lineares-Solano, R.P.K. Wells, Catal. Lett. (2007) 119:16-20
  • Please see my LinkedIn profile for full list of publications http://www.linkedin.com/FM.McKenna/publications

Timeline

Chief engineer

Ceres
07.2022 - Current

Materials Manufacturing Engineering Lead

Ceres
01.2018 - 06.2022

Senior Scientist

Surrey Nanosystems
07.2013 - 01.2018

Senior Scientist

Johnson Matthey
07.2010 - 12.2013

Doctor of Philosophy - Surface Science and Catalysis

University of Aberdeen
10.2006 - 09.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials

Trinity college
09.2000 - 07.2004

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Fiona-Mairéad McKenna PhD.