Dr Thomas Malcomson

(he/him)

BSc, PhD, FHEA

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

My main research areas consist of applying computational methods to provide insight into photochemical reactivity.

Ongoing Research:

• Photosynthesis: Focusing on oxygen evolving complex of photosystem II, current studies are investigating the insertion of O6 at the end of the S2 state; final deprotonation of O6 in the S3 state; formation of the first oxygen bond at the end of S3; and the redox steps involved in the formation of the final oxygen bond during the S4 state.
• Lanthanide Separation: This area involves assessing the use of tailored macrocycles with high size selectivity for use in separation of lanthanide ions from waste material, without the need for costly extraction procedures. 
• Compound Development for Photodynamic Therapy: Investigations here focus on the photochemical assessment of novel organometallic complexes, assessing their capacity for singlet oxygen production or ability utilise other, redox-based, mechanisms to promote targetted cell death.
• Production of Sustainable Polymers: Here we look to utilise transition-metal complexes to carry out controlled catalysis for predictable polymer production under room-temperature conditions using sustainably sourced reactants as we look to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels. 

Teaching

Teaching Areas:

• Organic Chemistry
• Plant Physiology
• Enzyme Kinetics

Continuing Professional Development:

• Approach Innovation in Teaching
• Skill-Development Focus
• Adaptive and Dynamic Learning
• Digitally Inclusive Teaching

Biography

I graduated from the University of St Andrews with a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry in 2014, specialising in protein structure and enzyme mechanisms, and with an extended research project into inhibition of the Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) enzymes. 

This was followed by a PhD in theoretical chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Martin Paterson at Heriot-Watt University; research focused on the photochemical study of novel compounds for application in photodynamic therapy, which resulted in being awarded the RSC Dalton Divison Horizon Prize in 2022. Additional projects in the refinement of organic photosensitisers, and understanding isomer transitions in metal organic frameworks (MOFs). 

Following my PhD, I worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in the Department of Chemistry in Lancaster University, working under Dr. Andrew Kerridge to develop tuneable pseudopotentials to aid in understanding key bonding interactions in Lanthanide and Actinide complexes. During this post I was able to design and deliver a workshop utilising computational methods to produce a potential energy surface for a reaction, enabling students to visualise and understand how changes in the surface influence reaction dynamics. 

I moved to the University of Manchester in 2019, working as a PDRA in Dr. Patrick O'Malley's group, working on understanding key stages influencing oxygen bond formation during the S3 state of photosystem II. In addition to group management, aiding in thesis preparation, and viva practice, this post also provided opportunities to design and run the final year project of the group's BSc student, leading to the award of the Fellow in the Higher Education Academy in 2023. 

Having joined the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University in a teaching and scholarship role in 2023, my main teaching areas cover organic chemistry, plant physiology, and enzyme kinetics. Acting as module exam lead, and as personal tutor, additional pursuits are looking at utilising digital infrastructure to both enhance the student experience, and to direct educational focus to skill development and application of concepts in a problem-solving environment. 

Qualifications:

• Ph.D in Theoretical Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry
• AdvanceHE Fellow (FHEA)

Honours and awards

I became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in 2023

I was awarded the RSC Dalton Divison Horizon Prize in 2022 for work in in-cell organometallic redox catalysis.

Academic positions

2023 - Present - Academic Staff (Lecturer), School of Biosciences, Cardiff University

2021 - 2023 - Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester

2019 - 2021 - Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemistry, Lancaster University

2015 - 2019 - PhD Student, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University