About Us

Dr. Arne Benjamin Renz - RTP Director

Dr. Arne Benjamin Renz is an Assistant Professor and leading researcher in silicon carbide (SiC) power electronic interfaces at the University of Warwick's School of Engineering. Since his research career began in 2017, his research has focused on developing and commercialising novel ways of improving the power semiconductor interfaces that SiC forms with oxides (MOS) and metals (Schottky) for applications in EVs, renewable energy, the grid, satellites, and radiation-sensitive environments.

Within the Nanofabrication RTP, Ben is primarily a key user of the facility. His role is also the role of director, overseeing the strategic development of the RTP team and managing academic & commercial research.

Office: F4.05

Tel:

E-Mail: Arne.Renz@warwick.ac.uk

Professor Peter Gammon - RTP Co-Director

Professor Gammon is the University of Warwick's lead within the REWIRE Innovation and Knowledge Centre (EP/Z531091/1), which aims to commercialise wide-bandgap semiconductor devices for power electronics in collaboration with over 30 industrial partners. A former Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow, he has several major UKRI and EU-funded projects. Three major grants on radiation-har SiC devices for space applications, including the SiCSat Project (EP/V000543/1), advanced SiC technology for use in satellites and space agency missions. The Switch Optimisation Theme (EP/R0048X/1) within the EPSRC Centre for Power Electronics developed ultra-high-voltage (10kV+) SiC IGBT devices for grid applications.

Within the Nanofabrication RTP, Peter is driving the strategic development of the facility, especially equipment upgrades, the RTP's external representation and funding submission. The RTP benefits from his strong links to industry and his experience in seeing through the implementation of processes from the lab space into "real world" foundry applications.

Office: A302

E-Mail: p.m.gammon@warwick.ac.uk

Dr. Sofia Bekou - RTP Manager

Dr. Sofia Bekou is the Nanofabrication RTP Manager at the University of Warwick. She has a strong background in micro- and nanofabrication, cleanroom technologies, and advanced research laboratory management. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bath, where her research focused on micro/nanofluidic lab-on-a-chip devices and biosensors. Prior to joining Warwick, Sofia brings over 10 years of experience in senior laboratory management, having led facilities at the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London, supporting academic and industrial research in semiconductor, photovoltaics, and advanced materials technologies.

Within the Nanofabrication RTP, Sofia leads the operational development of the facility, managing the technical team and overseeing infrastructure, equipment, safety, and user support to enable high-quality academic and industrial research.

Office:

Tel:

E-Mail: sofia.bekou@warwick.ac.uk

Dr. Richard Jefferies - Process Engineer

Richard has a background in industrial nanofabrication, having worked in semiconductor devices since 1993 and completed a PhD in 2000. He has worked with the Defence Research Agency (DRA), Trikon Technologies and QinetiQ. He joined the University of Warwick in 2013 and has contributed to a range of research activities. He is interested in applying rigorous industrial practice to academic research, delivering high-quality, high-reliability and high-impact results through professional practice.

Within the Nanofabrication RTP, Richard's role is process engineer. He is available to offer support with developing fabrication processes, both from scratch and advancing existing methods.

Office: D0.32

Tel:

E-Mail: richard.jefferies@warwick.ac.uk

Dr. Mark Giltrow - Infrastructure Technician

Mark has a background in Physics and academic research, having completed a PhD in 1996. He has worked on a range of Physics research projects, most prominently with cryogenic and ultra-high-purity helium at the Lancaster University.

Within the Nanofabrication RTP, Mark's role is infrastructure technician. He is responsible for day-to-day operations and support, from monitoring chemical supply to implementing infrastructure upgrades.

Office: D0.32

Tel:

E-Mail: mark.giltrow@warwick.ac.uk