Thomas Baker

Polymer Technologist

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Loughborough, England, United Kingdom

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Timeline
About me
Specialist (Plastics), WRAP
Education
- Loughborough University
  2017 - 2023
  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Materials Engineering PhD
  Activities and Societies: Loughborough University Doctoral Researcher President, School of AACME Lead Doctoral Researcher Representative, Materials Department Doctoral Researcher Representative, University Teacher, Student Ambassador. Full time PhD Researcher in the Department of Materials at Loughborough University.Research encompassed the use of bio-derived and/or -degradable plastics materials with biopolymer fillers. Namely the enhancement of the mechanical properties as well as characterisation of thermal events during processing and the 'use' phase; endeavouring to understand the incompatibilities between the systems. Focus was given to dispersion, mechanical and thermal properties, and end-of-life waste… Show more Full time PhD Researcher in the Department of Materials at Loughborough University.Research encompassed the use of bio-derived and/or -degradable plastics materials with biopolymer fillers. Namely the enhancement of the mechanical properties as well as characterisation of thermal events during processing and the 'use' phase; endeavouring to understand the incompatibilities between the systems. Focus was given to dispersion, mechanical and thermal properties, and end-of-life waste management understanding and strategies.A personal aim was to investigate, broaden and develop the knowledge on a more sustainable (bio-/)plastics future, whether naturally derived/renewable materials are 'greener' (or can be in the future), understand the state of global (plastic) waste particularly after the 'Blue Planet Effect', and to move towards a more circular system by sustainably shifting away from 'take-make-waste' consumer items (specifically packaging). Show less
- Loughborough University
  2014 - 2015
  Diploma in Industrial Studies Research and Development
  Attained during industrial experience at LKAB Minerals for work undertaken, including: laboratory experimentation and research, conference attendance, year-end research report(s) and presentations.Details can be noted under "Experience" with work undertaken treated as confidential.
- Loughborough University
  2012 - 2017
  Masters Materials Engineering 1st Class with Honours
  Activities and Societies: Societies: Computer, Archery, Canoe, Badminton, Powerlifting, Role Play and Wargaming, Real Ale Society (Treasurer 2016-2017). Engagement: Loughborough University Student Ambassador Raising and Giving plus Local Community Charity activities. Key Materials, Polymers, and Sustainability Modules: - Processing and Structure of Polymers- Processing and Structure of Metals and Ceramics- Composite Materials- Advanced Principles of Materials- Product Design and Materials Selection- Sustainability- Recycling and Environmental IssuesDissertation Projects: - Improvement of Toughness of Polystyrene with Nanoparticles - Review of PVC Phthalates and Plasticisers - Key Differences… Show more Key Materials, Polymers, and Sustainability Modules: - Processing and Structure of Polymers- Processing and Structure of Metals and Ceramics- Composite Materials- Advanced Principles of Materials- Product Design and Materials Selection- Sustainability- Recycling and Environmental IssuesDissertation Projects: - Improvement of Toughness of Polystyrene with Nanoparticles - Review of PVC Phthalates and Plasticisers - Key Differences Between PLA and Other Polymers Used in Plastic Packaging - Camera Systems for Damage and Materials Condition InspectionOther modules:- Mathematics for Materials- Mechanics of Materials- Materials Characterisation and Mechanics- Advanced Characterisation Techniques- Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria- Surface Engineering- Fracture and Failure- Electrochemical Technology- Accounting for Managers- Marketing- Management of the Human Resource. Show less
- Southend High School for Boys
  2005 - 2012
  A-levels: Maths (B), Economics (B), Chemistry (B).
  Activities and Societies: Prefect, tutor and mentor, debating, art, athletics
Experience
- LKAB Minerals
  Aug 2014 - Sept 2015
  Polymer Technologist
  Undergraduate placement in research and development looking into the optimisation of coatings and treatments for polymer fillers, with a focus on fire retardation. Experience gained with respect to best laboratory practices and equipment operation (extrusion, injection moulding, compression moulding, rheology, mechanical testing), laboratory into large scale pilot tests of mineral coating then compounding into polymer-based formulations, data organisation and analysis, professional conduct, teamwork, and presentation skills. Show less
- Loughborough University
  Sept 2015 - Jul 2021
  Supervision and advisory work on multiple Master's level dissertation projects - across practical and research work.Organisation, demonstration, and teaching of equipment, processes, and technical knowledge on lab-to-industry scale polymer processing and characterisation equipment, as well as holding self-prepared lectures. Teaching primarily through direct laboratory demonstrations, from foundation to master's level modules. Modules include:Advances in BiomaterialsPolymer ProcessingPolymer Engineering - Processing and ManufactureMaterials and Manufacturing Processes Materials and Materials Processing Polymer Engineering - Properties and Design Extrusion Processes - Compounding and Analysis Of Filled Polyolefins Show less
  - University Teacher & Project Supervisor
    Jul 2015 - Jul 2021
  - Student Ambassador
    Sept 2015 - Jun 2021
- Unilever
  Feb 2020 - May 2020
  Science and Technology Manager
  Innovation Placement role working in the Biosourcing & Biotechnology team of Home Care R&D to assess sustainable opportunities from the marine environment. Work involved global scoping of production volumes and methods, legislation, and relevance to the Unilever Home Care product portfolio. This was primarily focused on the current and future sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) of marine opportunities in efforts to move toward alternative carbon sources.
- WRAP
  Apr 2021 - Jul 2021
  Intern Research Analyst
  UKRI internship in the Policy & Insights Team. Responsible for providing analytical and research support to the WRAP project portfolio to inform waste and circularity policy, particularly around plastics.As part of this I worked on:- The production of a Plastics Waste Hierarchy for Defra, UK. Assessing best practices for waste management of polymer resins across packaging and non-packaging sectors.- Supporting partners in Latin America, with the World Bank, on Material Flow Analysis and pollution hotspotting to best inform policy requirements for waste minimisation and circularity.- Mapping and assessing the current and future requirements of infrastructure and policies for waste treatment of polyolefins for partners Minderoo and KPMG. Show less
- WRAP
  Oct 2021 - now
  Provide research and analysis of large datasets and policy, domestically and internationally, towards sustainable materials use and resource efficiency. Example work areas include:- Data capture and R / Excel analysis for the UK Plastics Pact and supporting the Global Plastic Pact Network.- Policy guidance and support encompassing the likes of bio-based and biodegradable plastics, chemical recycling and circular olefins, agri-plastics, glass packaging, food-grade recyclate, waste compositions and LCA.- UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution briefings and recommendations to businesses and governments. Show less
  - Specialist (Plastics)
    May 2024 - now
  - Senior Analyst
    Dec 2023 - May 2024
  - Research Analyst
    May 2022 - Dec 2023
  - Junior Research Analyst
    Oct 2021 - Apr 2022
Licenses & Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC)
  Sept 2018
- Sustainable use & management of plastics
  Supply Chain Sustainability School
  Sept 2020
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Thomas Baker
  35 Under 35 Environmental Services and Solutions EXPO Sep 2024 https://www.35-under-35.com/2024-results
- Awarded to Thomas Baker
  Departmental Safety Award Loughborough University Department of Materials Jun 2019 Acknowledgement for assistance from Researchers in promoting good H&S practice, and for active involvement in H&S practices.
- Awarded to Thomas Baker
  Bronze, Silver, and Gold Chief Scouts Award Scouts UK Completion of various challenges and awards within the Scouting movement, but also in the wider community volunteering services and skills to care, environmental sustainability, safety, awareness, conservation, and other projects.
Volunteer Experience
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
  Issued by Loughborough University on Dec 2020
  Associated with Thomas Baker
- Democracy and Representation Committee
  Issued by Loughborough Students' Union on Oct 2020
  Associated with Thomas Baker
- Doctoral Researcher President
  Issued by Loughborough Students' Union on Sept 2019
  Associated with Thomas Baker
- School of AACME Lead Doctoral Researcher Representative
  Issued by Loughborough Students' Union on Jul 2018
  Associated with Thomas Baker
- Materials Department Doctoral Researcher Representative
  Issued by Loughborough Students' Union on Jul 2017
  Associated with Thomas Baker
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Course Facilitator
  Issued by Hashtag Me on Feb 2021
  Associated with Thomas Baker