Dr Jethro Akroyd’s journey from a Sheffield schoolboy fascinated by BBC microcomputers to a leading researcher in computational modelling exemplifies the transformative power of curiosity-driven education. Now a Director of Studies at Churchill College and a Senior Research Associate in Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Jethro is pioneering solutions that could reshape how we tackle climate change and public health challenges.
The seeds of Jethro’s career were planted early. Growing up, his father’s BBC Model A computer became a playground for problem-solving. When technical difficulties arose, young Jethro developed a methodical approach that would later define his research philosophy. “I would take a large piece of work and break it into smaller problems and work out how to fix them,” a skill that now underpins his work in computational modelling.
He was inspired by an enthusiastic middle school teacher who combined popular science with hands-on learning. “My teacher was very into popular science and would read articles to pupils and set practical assignments that required us to build things,” Jethro recalls. When BBC microcomputers arrived in schools, his teacher’s classroom became a hub of technological exploration with a group of like-minded friends. “Our enthusiasm for doing quite geeky things was infectious.” Jethro then progressed to a state secondary school with an academic reputation where he was encouraged to aspire and able to thrive.
Churchill College selected itself as Jethro’s destination after A-levels in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. Despite initial hesitations about fitting into Cambridge life, his admissions interview proved transformative. “The interviews were an affirming experience,” he remembers. “They found something that was of interest to me and asked questions that enabled me to talk around the subject.”
His choice also proved prescient as Churchill is the closest college to the new Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology building on the West Cambridge site, where Jethro now conducts his groundbreaking research. His undergraduate years were marked by academic excellence – he earned a Double First – and a pivotal moment came during his fourth-year research project with Churchill Fellow Prof. Markus Kraft, focusing on stochastic modelling for chemical engineering problems. Though initially eager to enter industry, working for AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, Jethro maintained his College dining rights and connection with Kraft. Years later, when the right PhD opportunity arose, he returned to Cambridge, eventually taking increasing leadership of the Computational Modelling Group as Kraft established Cambridge CARES (Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore) in 2013.
Today, Jethro’s research addresses one of modern society’s most pressing challenges: breaking down data silos to tackle complex sustainability problems. “What currently happens is that people only tend to look at individual aspects of problems – considering each thing in isolation,” he explains. “What the research group is trying to work out now is how to structure information to allow all analysis to happen simultaneously – to use shared data and share insights back.”
This philosophy has driven two major projects that showcase real-world impact. The Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo), implemented through spin-out company CMCL, has demonstrated how organisations including UK Power Networks, Anglian Water and BT Group, and various government bodies can share data to understand the climate resilience of connected infrastructure networks. The work has attracted significant attention from Ofgem, Ofwat and government, providing a mechanism to understand cascading risks across interconnected systems.
Simultaneously, Jethro serves as technical lead and scientific programme manager for the HD4 (Health-driven Design for Cities) programme at Cambridge CARES. This ambitious collaboration with the MRC Epidemiology Unit and the Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge, and the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University investigates relationships between environmental features, health behaviours, and health outcomes.
“Chemical engineers tend to be systems thinkers,” Jethro notes, explaining how his discipline’s holistic approach suits these complex, interconnected challenges. His research group brings together mathematicians, computer scientists, chemists, physicists and engineers to tackle problems spanning energy production, fuel poverty, and public health.
As Director of Studies for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Churchill, Jethro finds particular satisfaction in nurturing the next generation. “One of the features of being a Director of Studies is that I see the progression of the students right the way through from their interview in the admissions process, to the first day they arrive in Cambridge to the day they graduate. That is extremely rewarding.” His commitment extends beyond academics to career guidance and personal development, embodying Churchill’s approachable, supportive ethos.
Outside the laboratory, Jethro has found an unexpected passion in kickboxing – a hobby that began as a couple’s activity but has continued for twelve years at Cambridge’s Carisma club, long after his wife moved on to other interests!
Looking ahead, Jethro’s ambitions remain focused on expanding the reach and impact of his research. His work exemplifies how Churchill College continues to foster connections between fundamental research and real-world applications, from undergraduate curiosity through to Fellowship-level innovation that addresses global challenges.
“Chemical engineers have some of the skills to drive sustainability and the energy transition and help achieve a fairer, healthier and more sustainable society,” Jethro reflects, embodying the College’s commitment to using knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
