Dr Sam Parkinson

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research focuses on developing intelligent, self-driving laboratories (SDLs) that integrate robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery of functional polymer materials for bioscience applications. In particular, I am interested in creating polymer nanoparticles and advanced formulations that can address challenges in drug delivery, protein purification, and biotechnology.

By combining high-throughput polymer synthesis, automated characterization, and machine learning–guided optimization, my work aims to unlock new materials that interact with biological systems in precise and controllable ways. Ultimately, my goal is to establish adaptive platforms that not only accelerate discovery but also deliver reproducible, sustainable, and impactful solutions for healthcare and the life sciences.

Research Groups

Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME)

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, goal-driven, student-centred

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training initially, providing structured guidance and support, before gradually encouraging greater independence as your confidence and expertise grow. This ensures a strong foundation while fostering autonomy and problem-solving skills over time.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly/monthly basis. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

I may sometimes email my team outside of normal hours, but I do not expect you to respond until your typical working hours.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project Title

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Project Title

Secondary Supervisor(s):

University of Registration:

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare, Microbial Food Safety, Plant and Crop Science)
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Plant Science, Soil Science, Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

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Co-supervisor on a project / projects with supervisor name + link.