Dr Wing Ying Chow

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Physics, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

I am a solid-state NMR spectroscopist interested in discovering new ways of using my technique to bring insight to human health and disease. My research is motivated by two questions:

What chemical and mechanical signals are found in the extracellular environment?
How can we detect and characterize these signals, mostly in the form of molecules, using magnetic resonance?

We have developed solid-state NMR-based approaches for investigating the extracellular matrix environment in a variety of samples, from human tissues, to extracellular matrix produced by mammalian cell culture, to fungal and bacterial cells.

Research Groups

WYChow Lab

Solid State NMR Group

Condensed Matter Physics

The UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, collaborative, enthusiastic.

Provision of Training

We will agree on the techniques that you will use for your project together and make a detailed training plan. Depending on the requirements of the project, the training will either be carried out by me, another lab member, a colleague at the University, or external collaborators. The aim is to give you sufficient background and experience to independently develop appropriate methods and adapt the methodology as your project requires.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to be kept up to date with meetings on a weekly or regular basis. We will set goals together and agree on a timescale to achieve them. You are expected to make an effort to achieve the goals within the timeframe and to communicate any issues that may affect your progress. I commit to offering constructive advice, feedback, troubleshooting, and support throughout your PhD. I expect you to take increasing ownership of your progression during your PhD.

Communication

I value open communication. I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential.

I am regularly in my office and lab at Millburn House. I aim to have an opendoor policy for at least two days per week, but I can be contacted via Teams or email at any time. My Teams/email response times vary between minutes to several hours during working hours.

I endeavour to send emails and Teams messages during standard working hours. However, I may send emails outside working hours or during vacations. I do not expect you to do the same.

I have a Teams/SharePoint group for all members of my group. You may be added to additional Teams/SharePoint/Slack groups for specific projects, especially when working in collaboration with other groups.

The NMR group consist of several research groups with 5+ academic staff based in Physics and Chemistry, plus the national facility team (currently 2 senior staff). We have a joint group meeting (in-person) every Thursday, with presentations (10 am) and tutorial sessions (11 am) on alternating weeks, and a whole group online meeting at Friday 9 am specifically for tracking spectrometer status and issues. The NMR group has a Teams/SharePoint group for lab-related issues (equipment, troubleshooting, rotas) and sharing literature. There is also a student/postdoc-run NMR WhatsApp group chat for lunch and other social activities.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. 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.

Working Pattern

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 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Previous Projects (2025-26)

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Darius Koester.