Meet the team
Dr Steve (Stephen) Fielden
Steve is originally from Bury, Greater Manchester. He completed a MChem from the University of Oxford in 2015. His Part II project was undertaken in the group of Prof. Véronique Gouverneur FRS. He then completed a PhD with Prof. David Leigh FRS at the University of Manchester. He researched the synthesis and application of mechanically interlocked molecules, including rotaxanes, catenanes and knots. After a postdoctoral position in the same group, Steve moved to the group of Prof. Rachel O'Reilly FRS at the University of Birmingham in 2021 to research polymer nanotechnology.
Steve held a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship from 2021-2025. Steve now holds a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, which allowed him to launch the Fielden Research Group in February 2025. Steve was awarded an ERC Starting Grant that started in February 2026.
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In his spare time, Steve likes to drink whisky, build Brio train sets with his sons, and play with Rufus (his badly behaved poochon dog).​​​​​​​​​
The group on a typical cloudy Birmingham morning!
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Dan Espanhol - PhD student
Hi, I’m Dan - originally from Portugal, but I've grown up mainly in South West London. My undergraduate and Master's studies were completed at the University of Oxford (MChem), where I was a student at Teddy Hall. My Master’s research focused on designing and developing stimuli-responsive, Boolean logic-gated polymeric and liposomal nanoparticles for use as MRI contrast agents. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, sports, karting, and the occasional pub quiz. ​​​​​​
Qiuxia Tan - PhD student
I’m Qiuxia Tan from China. I graduated from Central South University. My previous research was focussed around tumour photodynamic therapy technology. During my free time I love playing badminton, listening to music, or just sleeping. If you want to play mahjong, come with me!​​​​​
Kester Arden Armitage - PhD student
Hi, I’m Kester from Sheffield! I completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees at Durham University, where I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Mark Fox on the synthesis of complex carboracycles – specifically molecules featuring meta-carborane. It was a fascinating and technically challenging project, often involving weeks of tricky separation work. I’m now excited to take on new challenges and explore different areas of chemistry. Outside the lab, I love playing guitar, writing and recording music, and diving into all kinds of genres – any album recommendations are appreciated!
Brendan O'Connor - MSci student
Hi, I'm Brendan from Hemel Hempstead. I am currently a 4th year MSci student looking at rotaxanes within the group. Outside of my studies I enjoy watching and playing lots of sports. I regularly play football and go to the gym and enjoy watching football, american football, basketball as well as F1. I also enjoy listening to music and going to the pub with my friends.
Past members:
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Hattie Barrington (MSci, 2023-2024)
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