The Adhesion Science Team at TWI

Professor Mehdi Tavakoli completed a BSc in Chemistry before obtaining an MSc and PhD in Polymers from University of Aston in Birmingham. He is a Technology Manager and Consultant on polymers/adhesives. Currently he is also the Programme Manager of the Health Technology Knowledge Transfer Network. Mehdi Tavakoli
Dr Ewen Kellar is currently a Principal Project Leader within the Polymer Technology group. His experience ranges from adhesive selection and surface pre-treatment, through fractography to composites. He enjoys tackling challenging industrial problems where an innovative approach may be the best solution. Ewen is a member of the TWI Innovation Support Group, which aims to promote and support innovative 'green shoots' throughout the company. Ewen Kellar
Dr Farshad Salamat-Zadeh is a Senior Project Leader in the Advanced Materials & Processes Group. Prior to joining TWI he obtained a BSc in Polymer Engineering, MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems and PhD in Joining Technology. He has more than 12 years of consultancy and project management experience dealing with adhesion issues in manufacturing, construction and other industrial market sectors. Farshad Salamat-Zadeh
Sue Dunkerton is Business Manager for Processes at TWI, supporting TWI's Technology Groups to develop market driven technologies and provide routes to exploitation. A metallurgist by training, she has broad materials knowledge, including polymers and adhesives, and specific experience in the medical, electronics and aerospace fields.
Norman Stockham is a business developer with more than 20 years' experience in microelectronic and sensor packaging. His knowledge covers a wide variety of process and assembly technology. including: wire, ribbon, flip chip, TAB, die attach, encapsulants, package sealing, hybrid circuits, COB, MCM, SMT, display and optical packaging. Norman Stockham
Dr Marcus Warwick works on projects in composites and adhesives. He has worked extensively on the Clearweld ® process, developing new applications for laser welding of polymers, notably in the field of textiles. Marcus Warwick
Chris Otter is a Senior Project leader in TWI's Microtechnology Section. He has wide ranging skills in welding and joining process development, including: die attachment; wire bonding; flip-chip assembly with conductive adhesives as well as laser resistance and ultrasonic welding. Chris Otter
Dr Simon Smith has developed modelling methods for welding and joining processes, including the effects of residual stresses and non-destructive testing. He has applied these methods to structures and materials in many industries. He is the Technology Manager for Numerical Modelling. Simon Smith
Paul Burling has extensive experience in project management of large commercial projects world-wide, which include in-depth knowledge of composite material for military and commercial applications. Paul's broad knowledge covers many engineering technologies but he specialises in composite materials and adhesives. Paul Burling
Dr John Rudlin was, for 10 years, a Research Fellow at University College London working on evaluation of NDT techniques for both topside and underwater applications. He is a Principal Consultant in NDT and has been working on applications of all methods of NDT, inspection reliability and qualification issues. John Rudlin
Steve Westgate is a consultant in TWI's Laser and Sheet Processes Group. Steve has had involvement in, and managed, a wide range of research projects in all resistance welding processes. He is also experienced with mechanical fastening systems, adhesives and hybrid techniques, largely related to sheet-metal joining. Steve Westgate
Richard Shepherd joined TWI as consultant in 2007; he brings to the Polymers Section 20 years of experience in the field of materials research and development. He has worked in a number of sectors, more recently specialising in applications for the Oil & Gas industry. He has significant experience of the manufacture and processing, testing and inspection of high value, safety-critical elastomeric components and has published a number of technical papers and patents. Utilising twenty-plus plus years experience of design, evaluation/characterisation, development and testing of polymers in engineering applications including fatigue/life estimation Richard now develops markets and applications for TWI and its members. Richard Shepherd
Alan Taylor joined the Ceramics Group at TWI in 1995 and has progressed to Principal Project Leader. He is currently involved in Innovations, particularly Vitresyn® and also sits on the Construction Team, Staff Safety Committee, is Quality Advisor to AMP and managed AMP's CRP programme 2004-2006. Alan is also the Chairman of the Staff Consultative Committee. Alan Taylor
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