The global objective of my work is to unlock the potential of high-pressure and high-temperature processing as a method for the preparation of novel glassy materials by using the principles of rational design, i.e. the strategy of creating materials with the desired physical and chemical properties, based on an ability to predict the structure and how this will affect these properties.

I study the structure and properties of liquid and glassy materials at and recovered from extreme conditions of high pressure (up to 20 GPa) and/or high temperature (up to 2000 K). The aim is to provide benchmark data which will aid state-of-the-art computer simulations to produce predictive models.

These will then be used to design new materials with desired mechanical, electrical, optical and/or thermal properties. These models will also be used by geologists where conditions of high pressures and temperatures can lead to disastrous phenomena such as earth quakes and volcanic eruptions.