Dr Aaron Lister

Aaron’s path to the AAPS CDT began with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Huddersfield, where he received the Ross Thompson Physical Memorial Prize for Outstanding Performance in Physical Chemistry. With a strong interest in organic chemistry and a diverse background—including time in the military and working as a chef, cleaner, and labourer—Aaron brought a unique perspective to his doctoral studies.

He was drawn to AAPS by its multidisciplinary approach and the opportunity to explore alternative fuel sources and sustainable materials for the automotive industry. The innovative structure of the CDT, particularly the collaborative research incubator, offered him a learning experience far beyond that of a traditional PhD programme.

Outside of academia, Aaron is a passionate musician, an avid traveller, and has recently taken up learning Mandarin. He is also a devoted Leeds United fan—though watching matches is often a nail-biting experience!

Aaron’s PhD research explored the application of the biorefinery concept, using biorenewable feedstocks to produce sustainable polymers for the automotive industry. His work focused on terpenes—naturally occurring hydrocarbons found in plants and forest residues—as alternatives to petroleum-based polymers, particularly from cheap, abundant industrial waste products.

Key aspects of Aaron’s research include:

• Developing a novel, scalable method for synthesising the monoterpene pseudolimonene as a platform substrate for value-added products from industrial waste.
• Investigating the versatility of pseudolimonene by developing methodologies to produce a variety of monomers with potential applications in plastics such as polyurethanes and polyesters.
• Comparing the structural and chemical properties of pseudolimonene with other available monoterpenes to assess their downstream potential in polymer synthesis.

This research supports the automotive industry’s transition toward eco-friendly materials, driven by environmental policy, stakeholder expectations, and consumer demand.

Looking Forward
Aaron is keeping an open mind about the next stage of his career, with a strong interest in applying his transferable skills—such as problem-solving, research, and communication—to new challenges both inside and outside of academia. While he remains passionate about sustainability and innovation, he is also keen to explore a wide range of career paths where he can make a meaningful contribution. Currently based in Asia, Aaron is taking the opportunity to broaden his horizons while considering future professional opportunities.

Reflection on AAPS
Reflecting on his time at AAPS, Aaron describes the experience as transformative. The programme broadened his understanding of the automotive industry—from business and systems engineering to cutting-edge technologies—while also supporting his personal and professional growth. Among his proudest achievements was overcoming a long-standing anxiety around public speaking, made possible by the supportive and collaborative CDT environment. This skill proved invaluable when presenting his research at conferences and public events, with a particular highlight being the Festival of Nature in Bath, where he engaged members of the public on the future of propulsion systems and their potential role in public transport.

Overall, Aaron believes advanced propulsion systems represent more than just vehicle technology—they symbolise a shift toward a more sustainable and connected future, where transport fosters community and inclusivity. He is particularly grateful for the multidisciplinary nature of the CDT, which enabled collaboration with experts across diverse fields and encouraged him to explore areas he had never anticipated. This experience shaped his systems-thinking approach and strengthened his ability to work collaboratively across disciplines to achieve shared goals with a holistic outlook.