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 has also been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to start 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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