Staff

Dr Igor Kraev

Igor has a long experience in transmission electron microscopy. He has been working at the Open University since 2008, firstly as a postdoctoral researcher with Professor Michael Stewart on structural synaptic plasticity, and since 2016 as a manager of the EM suite.

Specialisation:

  • Transmission electron microscopy
  • Biological sample preparation and tissue processing
  • 3D microscopical reconstruction using serial ultrathin sections from TEM
  • Immunohistochemistry/cytochemistry
  • Processing of samples for TEM by freeze-substitution

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Dr Elena Shishkova

Elena has been studying neuroscience since 2014, beginning her scientific career in light microscopy before transitioning to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) during an internship with the EM Suite as a student. Her PhD research focused on ultrastructural changes in individual synapses during chronic epilepsy.

Throughout her career, Elena has contributed to multiple research grants and played a key role in developing innovative biological sample preparation techniques—replacing hazardous substances and enhancing the visualization of previously undetectable cellular structures. Additionally, she gained unique engineering experience by participating in a full-scale TEM repair following critical microscope component damage.

Alongside her research, Elena has provided extensive support in core facilities, assisting a wide range of users—from academic researchers to pharmaceutical industry professionals—with biological sample preparation, TEM imaging, and data analysis. In 2025, she officially joined the EM Suite team as a Research Technician, where she now provides technical support for TEM users, performs sample preparation and imaging, and ensures the maintenance and optimal performance of TEM equipment.

Specialisation:

  • Biological sample preparation for TEM
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging
  • Serial ultrathin sectioning, imaging processing and 3D reconstruction analysis
  • Fluorescence microscopy and electrophysiology (patch-clamp)

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Dr Lee White

Lee is a geologist and planetary scientist specialising in the micro- to nanoscale analysis of meteorites and materials brought from space. During his PhD, he explored intensely altered rocks from terrestrial impact structures and has more than seven years of experience analysing a wide range of extraterrestrial samples, including those from the Moon, Mars, and the asteroid belt.

At the Open University, Lee is the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analytical expert. With his knowledge of EDS, WDS and EBSD techniques, he supports researchers in data acquisition and processing using the TESCAN Clara SEM, the ZEISS Crossbeam 550 FIB-SEM and the CAMECA SX100 Electron Microprobe. He also oversees several petrographic light microscopes and is involved in many public outreach and engagement projects.

Specialisation:

  • Microstructural analysis of igneous and metamorphic rocks
  • Chemical classification of meteorites
  • Advanced Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging
  • Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) for quantitative chemical characterisation
  • Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) for crystallographic characterisation, including advanced processing and interpretation of results (e.g., misorientation and slip-systems analysis)
  • Sample preparation for SEM-based techniques
  • Petrographic microscopy

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Dr Zeeshan Mughal

Zeeshan joined the EMSuite at The Open University in 2020. As a Chartered Scientist, he primarily provides his specialist knowledge and expertise to train and mentor PhD students on electron microscopes and analytical techniques to conduct their research. He is also responsible for the smooth running of the state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) system, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and various sample preparation equipment within the EMSuite. He writes standard operating procedures and prepares risk assessments to provide a safe working environment on electron microscopes.

Zeeshan has had extensive experience in the past working on several European projects and with various industries using advanced FIB techniques. He brings this expertise to seek knowledge transfer partnerships between industries and the EMSuite by providing technical support to industrial clients and organising training courses on electron microscopy techniques. Zeeshan also works on collaborative projects with various academics across STEM Faculty at The Open University.

Specialisation:

  • Focused Ion beam (FIB)
  • Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • FIB-SEM Tomography with analytics
  • Micro-to-nano scale residual stress measurement using FIB-SEM
  • Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) for investigating the elemental analysis of materials
  • Electron Back Scattered Diffractions (EBSD) for investigating the crystallographic structure of metals

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Dr Radka Gromnicova

Radka has been an integral part of the Open University since 2011, working alongside Prof David Male in the field of brain endothelium biology. During her PhD studies, she focused on exploring the potential of gold nanoparticles as a delivery system for brain disorders.

At the EM Suite, Radka has developed a strong proficiency in operating the unit’s TEMs, specifically the Jeol JEM 2100 and Jeol JEM 1400 models. She has been actively involved in assisting researchers with their projects, offering troubleshooting support for their samples, and providing guidance to ensure successful outcomes. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in training individuals on various aspects of TEM usage, ranging from basic imaging techniques to advanced TEM operation and sample preparation.

Alongside her contributions to the TEM facility, Radka actively participates in collaborative research projects. She is the primary contact point for external inquiries, demonstrating her extensive knowledge and dedication to fostering partnerships.

Specialisation:

  • Transmission electron microscopy of many materials, from nanoparticles to biological samples. She performs STEM techniques, high-resolution imaging, EDS analysis and mapping, and diffraction
  • Cell cultures including handling 3-dimensional culture models
  • Nanoparticles in biological application

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