Owen Gallagher Email and Phone Number

Supervise day-to-day activities within the microscopy facility at the Materials Innovation Factory (Open Access Area). I support the MIF customer base through training and services, including contract research, collaborative research, and equipment rental. Ensuring the smooth running of this facility, while delivering high quality research support to its stakeholders and customers.I enhance the delivery of fundamental capabilities within the facility by utilising my expertise to cater to the varied and changing needs of our users. The areas of my expertise called upon include all facets of Scanning Electron Microscopy, particularly Cryo-SEM, EDS, and WDS, as well as the growing use of Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to address characterisation challenges. Additionally, supervision of the characterisation of nanomaterials using Zetasizer DLS instrumentation is required.With decades of experience in tackling materials characterisation challenges, I play a key role in business development, fostering collaborations, and overseeing project management.

As a senior scientist working within a GMP environment at a Pharmaceutical Services Laboratory, I provided quality measurement science services to a diverse range of clients, including multiple blue-chip multinationals. Demonstrating the ability to offer timely solutions to complex technical challenges, I have successfully bridged the gap between technological capabilities and scientific requirements, leading to substantial progress in product development and research.My primary areas of expertise encompass Cryogenic Scanning Electron Microscopy, which includes High Pressure Freezing and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), along with related sample preparation techniques such as sectioning and cryo-handling. Additionally, I employed particle sizing methods, including Photon Correlation Spectroscopy and Laser Diffraction, both compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).Responsible for daily operation of the X-Ray diffraction facility, providing validation plans, approved test methods, and batch release of pharmaceuticals to GMP standards.As a high-profile department, my role involved marketing our capabilities, enhancing our profile through participation in open events, and creating presentations and posters for the business development team.

Areas of expertise include SEM & Scanning Force Microscopy for cell imaging, which demand a high degree of manual dexterity, patience, and skill to operate effectively. I have consistently provided scientific data that has significantly contributed to numerous projects, enabling informed decisions in commercial research.Assisted in the development of a scanning laser system to quantify the spread of hair fibre arrays over time, the system used optics, image capture and KS400 image analysis macros, and this was patented by Unilever.In the Fluorescence imaging field, I designed a fully automated system involving sample automation, image capture and data logging. This system was used to identify necessary formulation modifications to many of Unilever’s key brands.I developed an 'applications toolbox' to analyse data from consumer studies trials. The toolbox was successfully implemented and is now part of the units' standard applications for quantitative hairstyle analysis.