Michael Coto

Last Updated on 11th February 2016

mc827@cam.ac.uk | +447854407256 | MichaelDan.co.uk

EDUCATION

PROFILE

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

A PhD student at the University of Cambridge working in sustainable photocatalytic

reactions for water purication and dental treatments. Passionate about innovation,
the environment and development.

PHD IN MATERIALS SCIENCE

Expected Oct 2016
Photocatalytic nanocomposites for water
purication, water splitting and dental
treatments.

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY
M-RES IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
Conc. in electrochemistry/corrosion
B-ENG IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
First Class Honours

PUBLICATIONS

EXPERIENCE
CAMSES

| RESEARCH OFFICER MARCH 2015 - PRESENT

| CONSULTANT JAN - MARCH 2015
A Cambridge based start up company looking to commercialise novel
photocatalytic materials
Product development of a visible light photocatalyst, involving time
contingent research as well as working within a small start up company with
the aim of commercialisation. Non lab-based work includes presenting &
contributing in board meetings, networking, project planning, pitching ideas
and composing business plans.

The use of electro-deoxidation in

molten salts to reduce the energy
consumption of solar grade silicon and INNOVATION FORUM | VICE PRESIDENT & THINK TANK DIRECTOR
increase the output of PV solar cells | January 2015 - Present | Cambridge, UK

Progress in Natural Science: Materials A Cambridge based company devoted to bridging academia, industry and government
International 2015 (accepted) available Organise workshops, events and conferences. Individually initiated a think tank from
online
scratch, in collaboration with key multipliers including the Cambridge Centre for
Science & Policy & BRE industries for students to engage with and solve real world
Analyzing the photo-oxidation of
problems.
2-propanol at indoor air level
concentrations using eld asymmetric ion
mobility spectrometry | Journal of
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE | I-TEAMS
Visualised Experiments 2016
Feb-March 2015| Cambridge, UK
(accepted)
A Cambridge University initiative working to engage graduate students with real world
Design and synthesis of a novel d10d10
mixed metal-based polymer with superior
luminescent properties to select Ca2 +
and Zn2 + | Inorganic Chemistry
Communications 2015 vol 54, p66-68

EXPERIMENTAL SKILLS
SOFTWARE
LAT

EX Microsoft Ofce OriginLabs

Prezi Autodesk CAD ImageJ Adobe
(Photoshop & Illustrator) Google
SketchUp

PRACTICAL
Electron Microscopy UV-VIS
spectroscopy ICP-AES XRD FTIR
TGA Electrochemical Measurements
Biological water testing Del Agua
portable water testing

RESEARCH FUNDING

problems
Lead a team of Cambridge students and post doctorate researchers on a feasibility
study of water treatment methods. Included managing a team of graduate students,
facilitating discussions, dening clear objectives and ensuring they were achieved.
Results were presented to a audience of development researchers, entrepreneurs
and academics

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE | DEMONSTRATOR & SUPERVISOR

2013- Present| Cambridge, UK
Supervised students through their research projects (undergraduate and post
graduate). Demonstrated in large undergraduate laboratory classes teaching
practical techniques and theoretical principals underpinning them.

TATA STEEL | RESEARCH INTERN

2011 | Baglan Bay, UK
Designed a titania photo reactor to illustrate photocatalytic water treatment to
potential investors. Involved collaborating with both academic and industrial
partners. Reactor was successfully used as a demonstrator to potential investors and
collaborators.

ALCONTROL LABORATORIES | MICROBIOLOGIST

2008-2011 | Newton Abbot, UK

Microbiological testing of food and water in a commercial laboratory environment.
SMART VILLAGE | 3500
Involved working in a highly audited environments, communicating with customers
2015
and training new employees in microbiological techniques. Also worked at Alcontrol
Competitive funding granted to undertake
part time during undergraduate breaks of term.
water purication research in Tanzania

ELSEVIER GREEN CHEMISTRY

CHALLENGE | 50,000

GULFSTREAM JETS | INTERN

2008 | Mexicali, Mexico
Conducted mechanical testing of aerospace alloys for use in private jets .

2016
Currently in the Semi-nal of the Elsevier
green chemistry challenge for a business VOLUNTEER WORK
plan proposing photocatalytic water
treatment systems in the developing world EES TANZANIA | ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
August 2015 - Present | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(nal 50 proposals from 700 applicants)
Advising a Tanzanian based charity for improving the water quality and sanitation in
SANTANDER | 1500
over the Tanzanian mainland.
2015
Internship bursary award

EPSRC
2012
Full scholarship for a PhD at the
University of Cambridge

EPSRC & GENERAL ELECTRIC

2011
Fully funded Mres Scholarship based on
previous academic results

RESPONSIBILITIES
WEBSITE DESIGNER

SMART VILLAGES | RESEARCHER

Jan-Sep 2015 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
A project centred around testing with off-grid water purication technology in
Tanzania. Involved extensive project planning (experimental logistical) and proposal
writing for funding grants. The eld trip was conducted in August 2015 and was the
rst time plasmonic photocatalytic nano-composites had been trialled in the
developing world. Time was also devoted to outreach; training and engaging with
local students around the issues of water and sanitation. The trip was used as an
exemplar across Cambridge University to encourage researchers to apply their
research in a development context by the Winton Programme and the Cambridge
Humanitarian Centre. I personally gave a number of talks following the trip to show
how logistically eld trips can be organised and to encourage my peers to embark on a
development journey.

Designed, built and maintain the Materials

ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS | WORKSHOP ORGANISER
Chemistry Group & CamSES websites
Jan-Sep 2015 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
SEMINAR ORGANISER
Trained in the DelAgua water testing kit for water assessment evaluation in especially
Organise and chair the Materials
in disaster zones. Demonstrated the kit microbiological water testing kit at an EWB
Chemistry Group seminars
workshop to trainees for use in the eld

PRESIDENT OF DARWIN
COLLEGE WRITING SOCIETY
Run a college writing society every
weekend, offering students a friendly and
productive space in which to work

AWARDS

2015 Innovation Forum Pitch Final. Reached the nal of a business concept
competition for a novel teeth whitening concept
2014 Cambridge University Entrepreneurs 1000 cash prize for novel air cleaning
PROJECTS
concept
CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2012 Highest achieving student in all examinations. Averaged 89% in all graduate
masters modules
Designing demonstrators and an
2012 TATA innovation award 3rd place. from 1500 applicants). Awarded for a
interactive talk to engage the public on
water treatment photo reactor design
topics of sustainable energy and water
2012 Highest achieving nal year undergraduate. averaged 88% in all nal year
purication.
modules
BETHECHANGETV
2012 Best undergraduate presentation award. Awarded for nal year presentation
YouTube channel - Making videos of
on the subject of Bamboo as a Structural Material
random acts of kindness to promote
2012 SWMA polymer group award. Awarded for undergraduate dissertation ,
charity in the community
featured in Materials World magazine
2012 Tin platers work prize. Awarded for the highest grade in all undergraduate
EDX WATER TREATMENT
metal related examinations
CERTIFIED QUALIFICATION
2012 Materials Engineering Cash Prize. Awarded 1000 for second year
Online course covering water treatment
undergraduate exam results
technologies and implementation completion date March 2016

INTERESTS

OTHER INFO
DOB| 03/07/1989
Full Clean Driving License
English| Native Speaker
Spanish| Basic
Portuguese| Learning

Yoga President of the Darwin College Yoga Society, Manage the societys nances,
logistics and advertising. Tripled the number of classes during presidency & worked
to establish a yoga community in the college
Music Member of several bands. Organised practice, composed original materials
and advertised the bands Play: guitar banjo mandolin violin (learning)
Surng Passionate about water sports and experiencing the ocean. Member of the
Charity Surfers Against Sewage, actively working towards a cleaner ocean