Uche Onwukwe

Dr Uche Onwukwe serves as a Research Fellow II at Brunel University's College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. Holding a PhD in biomimetics focused on green synthesis of functional materials, they leverage extensive expertise in advanced characterization techniques including electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), spectroscopy (Raman/FTIR), and X-ray analysis (XRF/XRD).

Research interests span:

• Nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation
• Biomimetics and green chemistry
• Phytomining using hyperaccumulator plants
• Microplastic investigation via Micro FTIR and TOF-SIMS
• Heavy metal decontamination in soils
• AI-enhanced recycling technologies

Recent publications (2016-2025) demonstrate a consistent trajectory toward circular economy applications, with increasing focus on bioplastics from marine biomass, lithium recovery from mine soils, and AI-driven plastic separation systems. The work integrates spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermal analysis to address environmental challenges through biological solutions.

Key funded projects include:

• Net Zero Environments Rethinking Phyona (Innovate UK, 2023-)
• PhytoREE (Innovate UK, 2023-2024)
• CSTO2NE (Marie Curie Actions, 2023-2026)
• Environmental Marine Litter Monitoring (ESA, 2021)

As an institutional leader, Uche serves as Radiation Protection Supervisor, EDI Champion since 2021, and elected IRLCA Committee member. They teach postgraduate Mass Spectrometry courses and collaborate with Natural Resources Wales, Royal Holloway, and National University of Athens through the ETC, IMM, and MCP research groups.