Owen McGann obtained his PhD in materials science from the University of Sheffield in 2013 through a program of research focused on the vitrification of spent ion exchange resin materials from the nuclear industry. Through his time at the University of Sheffield, Owen obtained expertise in a wide range of advanced techniques associated with the study of glass materials and is familiar with methods including optical spectroscopy (UV/Vis, FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy, x-ray florescence spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic spectroscopy and x-ray absorption and x-ray emission spectroscopy. Owen presented research and national and international conferences and successfully published outcomes in international journals.
From 2013 to 2015 Owen worked as a KTP Associate for the University of Leeds and Glass Technology Services, supporting work in the development and production of commercially viable photonic glass materials. Following this Owen join Glass Technology Services as a permanent member of staff responsible for ongoing research work in the areas of photonics and nuclear waste treatment.
Owen in now a Principal Technologist at Glass Technology Services where he leads current activity in the photonics and waste thermal treatment and is responsible for a range of consultancy work across several application areas. Owen has led three successful grant funded R&D projects (Innovate UK) and has supported many others. He has experience in preparing proposals for both grant funding and commercial funding and has successfully won grant funding for the business and its partners. He continues to disseminate outcomes through national and international conferences, represent Glass Technology Serivces in the Photonics Leadership Group and is a member of the BSI Optics and Photonics subcommittee.
Owen is the main point of contact for work in the area of photonics and waste thermal treatment and for activity relating to modelling of thermal or mechanical process, as the company's expert in FEA (COMSOL Multiphysics).
Dr Owen McGann's Publishings:
- The effects of γ-radiation on model vitreous wasteforms intended for the disposal of intermediate and high level radioactive wastes in the United Kingdom
- The synthesis of graphite–glass composites intended for the immobilisation of waste irradiated graphite
- Mössbauer studies of materials used to immobilise industrial wastes
- The use of high durability alumino-borosilicate glass for the encapsulation of high temperature reactor (HTR) fuel
- The effect of γ-radiation on mechanical properties of model UK nuclear waste glasses
- Systematic development of alkaline‐earth borosilicate glasses for caesium loaded ion exchange resin vitrification
- The development of glass compositions for the vitrification of ion exchange resin wastes from the nuclear industry
- Zinc on simulation of british nuclear waste leaching behavior of HLW glass
- Vitrification of an intermediate level Magnox sludge waste
- The effect of ZnO and CaO on the hardness and fracture toughness of basic alkali borosilicate glass immobilizing simulated mixed HLW
Writings by Dr Owen McGann:
Expert glass partnership secures laser innovation grant
Glass Technology Services is providing photonics and material science expertise to a development project on laser illuminated eye-safe sensors, which has been awarded a grant from the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, to forward advances in technology and innovation.
Innovative 3D Laser Cutting of Glass - 3D Clear Cut
Independent research and development, consultancy and testing facility, Glass Technology Services, is developing a novel laser process to optimise the production of customised three dimensional glass components.
Project Ultraweld: Glass research could revolutionise manufacturing
Work conducted by Glass Technology Services, Heriot-Watt University and a consortium of industry partners could lead to a huge breakthrough for the manufacturing sector.
Glass experts help to secure new £1.5m project funding
Researchers at UK based Glass Technology Services have secured funding as part of the Innovate UK ‘Transforming Foundation Industries: Fast Start Projects’ funding call for a number of projects as part of a wider consortium of companies.
‘Impact award’ celebrates glass innovation amongst up-and-coming researchers
We partnered with the Society of Glass Technology to create the ‘Impact award’ – a prize that encourages impactful research and innovation within glass, and to help up-and-coming researchers develop and commercialise their findings.