Biography
Sophia graduated with an integrated masters (MEng) in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Sheffield, where she developed an interest in nuclear materials. As part of her degree, she completed an industrial placement with EDF Energy, working on mechanical components for Hinkley Point C, as well as a summer placement with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, assessing self-passivating Al-based coatings as corrosion barrier layers for CuCrZr in fusion reactors. Upon graduating, Sophia was awarded the De Belin Prize for her record of achievement in metallography.
In 2025, Sophia joined the Solid Mechanics and Materials group as a DPhil student under the supervision of Prof. Dong (Lilly) Liu and Prof. Paul Shearing. Her research focuses on understanding the fracture and fatigue behaviour of nuclear graphite for Generation IV nuclear energy systems.
Current Research Project
Fracture and Fatigue of Nuclear Graphite
Building an understanding of the strength and fracture toughness of fine-grained nuclear graphite through high-temperature mechanical testing and advanced materials characterisation.
Research Interests
- Fracture Mechanics
- Materials Characterisation
- Fission Materials
