Darren Haines

After developing his proposal and securing supervision, Darren began research into the development of biodegradable batteries for medical implants - an emerging area of study with significant potential to improve patient care.

“The issue with current lithium-ion batteries is that if they rupture inside the body, they can be quite toxic. And for short-term medical devices, patients often need a second surgical procedure just to remove the implant,” he said.

Darren’s research explores alternative battery chemistries using elements such as calcium, zinc, and magnesium - materials that can safely biodegrade and be absorbed or excreted by the body.

“The idea is similar to dissolvable stitches,” he says. “After a certain period of time, the battery can safely break down, so patients don’t need another operation. That’s a huge benefit.”

Now in the second year of his part-time MRes, Darren’s work has evolved from initial background research to experimental design and theoretical modelling. Along with producing a peer-reviewed journal article on the current issues, which has recently been published.

The writing is something that he admits he enjoys.

“When you’re writing something like that, you definitely get peaks and troughs,” Darren admits. “But once you reach the final stages and see it coming together, it’s incredibly motivating. It makes you want to do more.

“My thesis is really laying the groundwork. The theory I’m developing now is what I’d like to build on practically if I’m able to continue my studies through a PhD.”

Having undertaken so many different pieces of study at USW, Darren obviously knows the academic staff well, and speaks highly of the support he has received from them.

“The lecturers here have never just given me the answers. They give you enough to get started, then encourage you to go further—and you learn so much from that,” he said, adding that there is strong support and guidance for Masters students.

“If I needed help, it was there. Even when I was writing my journal article and hit a problem over a weekend, my supervisor gave me a few minutes of his time. That level of support makes a huge difference,” he said.

With his MRes nearing completion, Darren has his sights set firmly on doctoral study and further contribution to sustainable medical technology.

“My current research might not be a huge breakthrough on its own, but it can help lay the foundations for something bigger. That’s how innovation works - someone starts an idea, and others can build on it but also improve it,” he said.

“If you’ve got an idea, it’s worth pursuing. The MRes give you the freedom to explore it - and that’s incredibly rewarding.”