Meet the Team - PlastIC Research Centre, AUB

Professor Christian McLening | Research Centre Director

Professor Christian McLening is the Director of the Plastic Innovation and Curation Research Centre and Director of Research and Development at Arts University Bournemouth. He is Chair of the Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP) steering committee and leads the Creative Technology Research Group based in the Innovation Studio.

A Chartered Technological Product Designer (CTPD) with the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) Christian has a specialist focus on research and design development, working closely with industry and academic partners.

Qualifications: PhD (Brunel University), MA Design Studies (Central St. Martins, University of the Creative Arts London), BA (Hons) Industrial Design (Transportation) (Coventry University)

Dr Yaneidys Arencibia Coloma | Co-Director & Visiting Professor

With a history of leadership roles, including Director of the Centre for Cuban and Caribbean Social Studies and Vice-Dean at Universidad de Oriente, Dr Yaneidys Arencibia Coloma has overseen numerous research projects and postgraduate programs. Yaneidys has served as Santiago Journal’s editor-in-chief while generating impactful research and disseminating findings through high-impact academic journals and conferences. Her expertise covers cultural development, sociology of knowledge and sciences, intellectual networking, and higher education management; making her a valuable contributor to both academic and societal advancements.

Qualifications: PhD in Sociology (Universidad de La Habana), MA in Cultural Development (Universidad de Oriente), BA (Hons) in History of Art (Universidad de Oriente).

Dr Louise Dennis | Curator of MoDiP

Dr Louise Dennis has a wealth of museum experience having worked curatorially with a range of collections of various materials from those relating to the brewing industry, ceramics, jewellery, historical glassware, and military history. She has worked with MoDiP since 2007, developing a keen interest in the application and use of plastics as well as our cultural and societal relationships with this varied material family.

Qualifications: PhD Museum Studies (University of Brighton), MA Museum Studies (University of Leicester), BA (Hons) History and Theory of Design, Art and Photography (University of Derby)

Dr Erato Kartaki | Research Fellow in Heritage Science

With a background in Conservation of Cultural Heritage and Digital Humanities, Dr Erato Kartaki specialises in additive manufacturing for restoring cultural heritage objects, digital methods for capturing, analysing, preserving, and restoring artefacts and monuments, and material analysis for cultural heritage applications. Over the years, Erato has worked as a conservator on projects for the Greek Ministry of Culture, as a digital conservator with the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and as an educator at King’s College London. Prior to joining the PlastIC team, she was a Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, contributing to the Digital Skills Network in Arts and Humanities.

Qualifications: PhD Digital Humanities (King’s College London), MSc Archaeological Computing (University of Southampton), MSc Cultural Informatics (University of the Aegean), BA in Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art (Technological Educational Institute of Athens), AFHEA.

Dr Elena Castagnotto | Post-Doctoral Researcher

Dr. Elena Castagnotto is a postdoctoral researcher at Arts University Bournemouth, where she investigates how polymeric materials behave under mechanical, chemical, and environmental influences. Her research aims to understand and predict material ageing and degradation, combining analytical research with real-world challenges in material performance and durability. Before moving to the UK, Elena worked as a researcher at the University of Genoa, focusing on the alteration mechanisms of pigment–binder systems and accelerated ageing processes. She also collaborated with the Italian Fine Arts Superintendency on conservation projects, applying scientific methods to the study and protection of cultural heritage. Combining materials science, chemistry, and conservation, her work integrates chemometric approaches with advanced characterisation techniques to explore how materials change over time.

Qualifications: PhD Sciences and Technologies of Chemistry and Materials (Università degli Studi di Genova), MSc Methodologies for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (Università degli Studi di Genova)

Dr Jon Burgess | Post-Doctoral Researcher

Dr. Jon Burgess specialises in sustainable plastics and materials innovation. His research at Arts University Bournemouth focuses on creative technologies, design and innovation to support research in the Innovation Studio. With a PhD in Sustainable Product Design from Aston University, his industry experience includes leading development projects from prototyping to global product launches, earning multiple patents for his innovations.

Qualifications: PhD Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Processes (Aston University), MSc (Aston University), BA (Nottingham Trent University).

Sharon Lewis | Research Centre Development Manager

Sharon Lewis has been a dedicated professional in higher education since the early 1990s, with extensive experience in HE admin, resource planning, research and innovation development, strategic planning, and leadership. As the Development Manager for PlastIC Research Centre Sharon is instrumental in establishing the centre’s foundation and driving its growth as a new and emerging hub for PlastIC.

Sharon works closely with researchers the innovation team, industry partners, and stakeholders to position the centre as a leader in its field and plays a key role in shaping the centre’s future.

Oliver Moore | Project Administrator

Oliver Moore is an education professional specialising in e-learning resource development and technology-enhanced learning. With a strong interest in gamification, digital transformation, and content strategy, Oli promotes positive and engaging online, multimedia driven experiences. Leveraging their expertise in multimedia, asset management and innovative learning solutions, they are dedicated to implementing an impactful digital strategy for the research centre.

Shannon Carr | PhD Researcher

Shannon Carr is a postgraduate researcher at the PlastIC Research Centre whose work investigates how artefacts with assorted plastic components degrade and how improved identification, documentation, and maintenance strategies can support their long-term care. Her research combines heritage science, materials analysis, and preservation theory to develop practical frameworks for the identification and management of multi-component plastic objects in museum settings. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Shannon held roles in collections management and heritage education in both the UK and the US, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective informed by her background in bioarchaeology, heritage, and museum sciences.

Qualifications: MSc Bioarchaeology (Bournemouth University), MA Heritage and Museum Sciences (Texas Tech University), BA Anthropology (Texas Tech University)

Joanne Swift | PhD Researcher

With over 20 years of industry experience, Joanne Swift is a pioneering designer, entrepreneur, and PhD researcher at Arts University Bournemouth. Her work focuses on sustainable fashion and adaptive clothing using biodegradable materials, driving innovation. Joanne’s expertise spans multiple markets, as the owner of Josie Chen Range and Cicero Design LLC, she’s known for her unique, handmade accessories and commitment to sustainability.

Qualifications: MA Textile Design (Otemae university, Japan) BA Fine Art and Textile Design (Otemae University, Japan) BA East Asian Studies (The University of Sheffield)

Penny Tristram | PhD Researcher

A postgraduate researcher at AUB, formerly a lecturer at UAL and Falmouth University, Penny Tristram has created artworks in partnership with the Arts Council of Wales, The National Library of Wales, Disability Arts Cymru and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Her work has featured in the Guardian newspaper and she has exhibited at London’s Yinka Shonibare space. Her passion for the sea and beach lead her to volunteer for the Marine Conservation Society, and her research now focuses on the origins and consequences of beach plastic.

Qualifications: MA Illustration (Falmouth University), BA (Hons) Fine Art Drawing (Camberwell, University of the Arts London)