In 2018, Sebastian graduated from Swansea University with a First-Class degree in Materials Science and Engineering, completing his final-year project on sodium-ion battery technologies. He went on to undertake a Faraday Institution-funded PhD at the University of Sheffield, focusing on the electrochemical degradation mechanisms of all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries. During his doctoral research, he developed strong expertise in electrochemical analysis alongside advanced materials characterisation techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT).

Following completion of his doctorate, Sebastian held lead postdoctoral research positions investigating novel lithium-ion battery materials and hydrogen electrolyser components in collaboration with the Faraday Institution and the Henry Royce Institute, respectively. Through this work, he developed extensive expertise in battery testing, data interpretation, post-mortem cell analysis, and electrochemical techniques to support investigations into battery performance and broader electrochemical energy technologies.

Sebastian is a materials engineer specialising in battery technology and advanced materials characterisation. Combined with his experience in the steel and oil and gas sectors, his cross-sector background enables him to investigate material degradation and failure across energy, manufacturing, and engineering systems. He has a strong track record of translating complex technical investigations into actionable insights, demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at international conferences, and the delivery of detailed, high-quality technical reports for industrial clients. 

Sebastian joined Hawkins in March 2026 as an Associate based in our Leeds office.