Stacey McLellan she/her
Doctoral researcher in Chemistry
Strategic Research Areas
I am a PhD researcher working on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensors for rapid water quality monitoring. MIPs are synthetic materials with custom-made binding sites that selectively recognize target contaminants – essentially ‘plastic antibodies’ for molecules like geosmin that cause taste and odour issues in drinking water. My research aims to create sensors that provide results in minutes rather than the weeks currently required for laboratory analysis, enabling water utilities to detect contamination before it reaches consumers. My broader research vision is to bridge chemistry, materials science, and engineering to develop practical sensing technologies that translate fundamental materials discovery into real-world environmental and health application.
Before joining the CDT, I completed a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at the University of Glasgow, where I developed a strong interest in combining experimental and computational approaches to materials discovery. During my studies, I completed two competitive research internships that strengthened my interdisciplinary skills. I began as an EPSRC Vacation Intern, where I designed a colorimetric method for detecting transition metals using both laboratory techniques and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to analyse material properties and ligand–metal interactions.
Building on this foundation, my final-year project expanded this work by refining and optimising colour-based detection strategies, with an emphasis on accessibility and efficiency in material sensing. This progression allowed me to deepen my understanding of how computational insights can guide experimental design.
Later, as a Cronin Group Intern, I further advanced my technical skills by collaborating with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) on medically relevant chemical transformations. In this role, I developed automated experimental workflows covering reaction setup, execution, purification, and product identification. This experience strengthened my expertise in automation, analytical characterisation, and collaborative research, while connecting fundamental chemistry to practical applications.
I believe that scientific innovation thrives in diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environments. My experience working across disciplines has shown me the value of different perspectives in problem-solving and creativity. I am particularly passionate about supporting women in chemistry and related fields, promoting visibility, mentorship, and confidence for the next generation of researchers. I am committed to fostering equality in STEM by encouraging open communication, collaboration, and creating welcoming spaces where everyone can contribute and learn.
Outside the lab, I balance my research life with Formula 1 racing, reading, and story-based video games (my cat is usually supervising at least one of these activities). These interests give me a balance between creativity, strategy, and relaxation – qualities I also value in my approach to research and problem-solving.
Next-Generation Nanophotonic Polymer Sensors for Rapid Water Quality Monitoring
Motivation
Water quality monitoring is critical for both public health and consumer confidence, yet current testing methods rely on sending samples to laboratories for analysis, which can take weeks. By the time results are available, affected water may already have been distributed. Some contaminants like geosmin – a compound that gives water an earthy, musty taste – make water undrinkable at parts-per-trillion concentrations. Other contaminants pose genuine health risks. Conventional detection requires expensive mass spectrometry equipment and specialised expertise. There is an urgent need for rapid, field-deployable sensors that enable water utilities to detect both aesthetic and health-relevant contaminants in real-time, allowing immediate responses. Molecularly imprinted polymers offer a promising solution: stable, reusable synthetic receptors that can be tailored to recognize specific target molecules with high selectivity.
Aims
This project aims to develop molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensors for rapid detection of water contaminants. The work will focus on synthesising MIPs with high selectivity for target molecules that maintain their binding performance in aqueous environments – a key challenge since most MIPs are designed for organic solvents. These MIPs will be integrated with sensor platforms to achieve detection limits relevant to regulatory thresholds and real-world monitoring needs. Through characterisation and validation using authentic water samples in collaboration with industry partners, this research seeks to establish design principles for creating practical, field-deployable water quality monitoring systems that bridge the gap between laboratory materials discovery and environmental sensing applications
Methodology
The research will combine synthetic polymer chemistry, materials characterisation, and sensor development. MIPs will be synthesised using various polymerisation approaches to identify optimal formulations for aqueous compatibility and target selectivity. Binding studies will assess MIP performance using analytical techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, chromatography, and rebinding assays. Selected MIP formulations will be integrated with sensor platforms and characterised for sensitivity, selectivity, response time, and stability. Validation will involve testing with real water samples obtained through industry partnerships, comparing sensor performance against conventional analytical methods. Throughout the project, iterative design-test-refine cycles will optimise both MIP chemistry and sensor integration to achieve practical detection systems suitable for field deployment.
Impact
This research has the potential to transform water quality monitoring by enabling real-time detection of contaminants at the point of need. By providing results in minutes rather than weeks, water utilities will be able to make immediate decisions about treatment and distribution, preventing contaminated water from reaching consumers. The development of cost-effective, field-deployable MIP sensors could broaden access to water quality testing beyond centralised laboratories. This work will benefit public health protection, support regulatory compliance, and provide economic value by reducing testing costs and preventing water quality incidents. Beyond immediate applications in the water industry, the design principles established for aqueous-compatible MIPs and practical sensor integration will be transferable to other environmental monitoring and diagnostic applications, contributing to the broader field of point-of-care and field-based sensing technologies.
My research focuses on developing molecularly imprinted polymer sensors for rapid water quality monitoring. By combining polymer synthesis, analytical characterisation, and sensor integration, my goal is to create practical detection systems that bridge laboratory materials discovery and real-world environmental applications.
I am keen to collaborate with academic and industrial partners interested in water quality monitoring, sensor technologies, environmental analytics, and polymer-based functional materials. Collaboration could include co-developing MIP formulations for specific contaminants, validating sensors with real water samples, or exploring integration with advanced detection platforms.
Potential collaboration areas include:
- Water utilities and regulatory bodies seeking rapid contamination detection capabilities.
- Sensor manufacturers and photonics companies developing field-deployable analytical devices.
- Environmental scientists and analytical chemists working on trace contaminant detection.
- Materials scientists focusing on aqueous-compatible polymers or molecular recognition systems.
- Engineers developing integrated sensor platforms and data acquisition systems.
- Industry partners interested in commercialisation pathways for water quality technologies.
I welcome opportunities to share expertise and establish interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering applications.