Student Profile

Nile SaundersName of employee:

Nile Saunders

Summary Institutes/universities attend and attending:

    • 2003-2010 Ysgol Lewis Pengam
    • 2010 – 2015 University of Bradford (MChem)
    • 2015 – 2016 VUAnCH, a.s. (UniCRE)
    • 2016 – 2019 University of Cardiff (PhD in Catalysis)

Your current job/employment/research (max 100 words):

I am now a PhD student at Cardiff University studying in the field of catalysis. I am working to produce efficient gold containing catalysts for use in mild conditions.

Research carried out at UniCRE (max 600 words):

Whilst at UniCRE, I participated on two projects. The first, was the synthesis of nanoparticle catalysts to be used in water treatments and the second, was the hydrodeoxygenation of furfural-acetone aldol condensation products. The field of nanochemistry is both exciting and has great potential. The first step of this project was to locate sources of chemicals; we opted to harvest the required chemicals from waste biomass. This project saw the development of novel synthesis routes and catalysts for the treatment of water. The second project, I was allowed to work independently on the production of octane. The aim being to convert products from reactions conducted by another research team into higher value products with the major target being octane.

Valuable skills and experience gained from working with UniCRE (max 200 words):

The most valuable skill that I gained from working with UniCRE was the use of the batch reactors. Prior to my employment at UniCRE, I had never encountered an autoclave before. I was taught how to use it and then began to run a series of reactions. The primary analysis for these reactions was gas chromatography, which again was a new skill that I have not previously used. Due to the resources available to UniCRE I was able to use other equipment that I had not previously used, broadening my knowledge. Overall, my experience here has been invaluable and I am now, more confident in the laboratory as well as being a better research scientist.

Mission and Goals

Unipetrol Centre for Research and Education, a.s. is an independent legal entity whose primary mission is to research activities and provide support to the chemical industry in areas which are defined in our research program.

The main goals of UniCRE include:

  • Obtaining grants at the national level for the individual research programs in the priority areas of research UniCRE.
  • Integration into European structures, promotion of science, research and development and win support for priority projects of individual research areas UniCRE.
  • Deepening cooperation with academic institutions such as The University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně in Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice University or The Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Czech Academy of Science, v.v..
  • Active involvement in organizations supporting applied research and collaboration with industry, both within the region and at the national and European level.

Offer of Collaboration with Industry

UniCRE company offers quality knowledge and instrumental platform for refinery-petrochemical industry, as well as for implementation of new technologies in area of renewable energy sources and environmental protection, including perfectly equipped experimental centre and highly qualified analytical hinterland.

Offer of Collaboration with Research Institutions

UniCRE centre collaborates and offers collaboration with other research institutes at handling of projects in the framework of national and international grants and contracts.

 

 

Offer of Collaboration with Students

UniCRE company offers bilaterally profitable collaboration with czech and foreign students of master and postgradual degree. Currently it collaborates with universities (for example Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, University of Pardubice) and with prominent workplaces of Academy of Sciences in Czech Republic (UCHP, UFCH JH).

Offer of Renting Conference RoomsOffer of Renting Conference Rooms

UniCRE company offers to rent the conference rooms in Chempark Záluží and Ústí nad Labem locations. All rooms are equipped with the presentation equipment. Arrangement of tables and chairs in the individual rooms can be changed according to customer needs. We will arrange a flipchart or presenter on request.