Dr Alex Trenam

Prior to joining the AAPS CDT, Alex juggled part-time work at FatFace—pandemic furlough and all—while stepping into the world of independent music. Armed with an MMath in Mathematics from the University of Sheffield, where his final year project focused on abstract algebra, Alex was eager to apply his sharp problem-solving skills to real-world challenges in transport and mobility.

Drawn by the multidisciplinary approach of AAPS, he saw the programme as an ideal platform to explore how mathematical thinking could intersect with engineering and environmental challenges. Along the way, he supported outreach initiatives like ReachSci and the Royal Institution’s masterclasses, advocating for inclusive access to academic spaces. In his downtime, you'd find him experimenting with new recipes, staying active, and creating music under the artist name Eskafell.

PhD Focus

Alex's PhD project, titled ’Structure-Preserving Electrokinetics ‘ considers the efficient use of physics-based mathematical models for battery management in electric vehicles. By developing advanced numerical methods—specifically discontinuous Galerkin finite element techniques—his work enhances the accuracy of predicting battery states, whilst keeping the computational cost low.

Focusing on the electrolyte region, Alex's work preserves key physical structures (e.g. mass conservation, energy decay) in models describing ion transport. His project uses the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations and extensions thereof, branching into fluid dynamics via a Navier-Stokes coupling. The long-term goal? Better battery longevity, safer EV operation, and smarter vehicle performance—which could help pave the way toward broader electric adoption and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Looking Forward

In the next decade, Alex hopes to carve out a space for himself in academia, aspiring to a permanent position within a university mathematics department. For now, he’s building on the solid foundations laid during his PhD—developing as a knowledge exchange-focused post-doctoral researcher, collaborating across both academic disciplines and with industry partners to deliver impactful research.

The Reflection on AAPS

For Alex, AAPS has meant more than technical advancement—it’s been about cross-disciplinary connection. The programme helped him learn how to engage with researchers from vastly different academic domains, building skills in communication and collaboration that are vital in both industry and academia.

Beyond the lectures and labs, the CDT experience introduced him to problem-solving approaches from other fields and forged relationships with professionals across academia and industry. These interactions, plus exposure to cohort projects, international training events, and extensive presenting opportunities, have shaped him into a well-rounded researcher ready to take on the multifaceted challenges of the future.