James Devine-Stoneman

James joined the Chemistry and Materials teams at Carpmaels & Ransford in September 2021. Prior to this he read Natural Sciences at St John’s College, University of Cambridge, specialising in Materials Science. In his third and fourth years of study he was awarded the Armourers and Brasiers’ Prize and the Goldsmiths’ Prize for outstanding performance. Being awarded an honorary Vice-Chancellor’s Award for postgraduate research, he continued at Cambridge for a PhD in the Materials Science department.

His doctoral research focused on superconducting spintronics; controlling spin phenomena in the superconducting state for computing applications. The experimental work involved thin-film deposition, device patterning, focused ion beam nanofabrication, and low-temperature measurements. The research provided insights into the propagation of spin in multilayer Josephson junctions, containing ferromagnets and superconducting interlayers.

While writing up his thesis, James started working for a spinout from the University of Manchester, on the application of graphene to fuel cell and electrolyser membranes. As well as making graphenised membranes, he engaged with industry and brought in new expertise to bring the product closer to commercialisation.

James is a keen competitive quizzer, having captained the winning St John’s Cambridge team for the 2017/18 season of University Challenge. He currently plays for a first-division team in the Quiz League of London. A rock music fan, he can sometimes be found working on his electric guitar chops.