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Biography

Cory Desforges-Sharp is a 2nd year apprentice laboratory technologist at bp in Hull. Whilst working full-time, he is completing his Level 3 Apprenticeship standard and his BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science. Starting his career in 2024, Cory has worked across different teams gaining experience in analytical chemistry and process chemistry. He led activities in analytical chemistry where he supported bp’s aim to increase the use of renewable feedstocks at bp’s global refineries, focusing on total acid number, water content and aromatic content by UV-Vis analysis on potential bio-feeds for co-processing. This supported business decisions around feedstock utilisation and value. 

Additionally, he operates complex process chemistry equipment for bio feedstock and low carbon conversion using high throughput equipment. This equipment is both complex and highly hazardous with elevated temperatures, pressures and chemicals such as CO and H₂. This has supported bp’s strategic goals and business objectives. 

Currently he is training to operate electrolysers for hydrogen production, while maintaining his analytical skills through product analysis and handling activities. 

Outside of work Cory trains Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, often competing locally in his hometown. He also enjoys 3D printing; his creations sit proudly on his desk at work. Cory is keen to share his passion for chemistry, recently volunteering at a Humber STEM day conducting a science and engineering experiment with secondary school students who grow up in disadvantaged areas of Hull, to promote young adults into STEM subjects.

Being part of a great team at bp and working on real-world applications has helped me see how science and technology development impacts the world we live in.

Cory Desforges-Sharp

Q&A

Can you tell us more about your work?

I work in research and development at bp’s Low Carbon Innovation Centre in Hull, supporting bp’s strategy around low carbon fuels. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have delivered analytical data for bio-feedstock research projects, and these results directly impacted the company’s selection of bio-feeds used in bp’s global refineries. I have trained on high throughput technology; equipment operating at high temperatures and pressures to produce experimental data for bp’s commercial research projects. I am currently in my final placement and working to become a trained operator on electrolysis equipment, where I will be aiming to improve the efficiency of bp’s electrolysers.

Who or what first sparked your interest in chemistry, and how has that interest evolved over time? 

I’ve always been interested in chemistry, ever since school. My interest has grown significantly whilst at bp, being involved in the development of real-world applications in the labs has been amazing. Being part of a great team at bp and working on real-world applications has helped me see how science and technology development impacts the world we live in. 

What have been the biggest challenges that you have faced over the course of your time in science, and what have you learned from those experiences? 

The biggest challenge I have faced whilst at bp has been the need to have processes and methods that are consistent to provide reproducible results that the business can rely on. There are many types of bio-feeds, the properties are different depending on where it is sourced, this made it difficult when I was conducting the analysis therefore, I often sought advice from a senior member of the team. 

This taught me that collaborating and learning from each other is critical to the success of experiments and I should not be afraid to ask for help. 

Thinking back to earlier in your career, are there any words of wisdom that you wish someone had told you? 

There’s no such thing as a stupid question. 

I have been told this so many times at bp and I wish I had been told this earlier on in my career, it would have given me a confidence boost in asking questions I was too scared to ask. 

What impact would you say that your work is having on your field and/or the wider world? 

I am lucky that my work has a clear link to business strategy and activities. As such, my work has had an impact on the wider world through reduction in carbon emissions and increasing bp’s use of renewable feedstocks. Co-processing sustainable materials such as used cooking oil, bio/plant oils in bp’s refineries is key to the lower carbon fuels in the near term, but these materials bring different hazards for the refineries such as corrosion potential which needs to be understood. 

It is also vital work because it ensures our large-scale refineries operate smoothly with sustainable materials, have minimal process upsets and down time, which then impacts revenue and our ability to operate with sustainable materials. 

In what ways does creativity influence how you think about or carry out your work? 

When I’m competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu I often have to remember that a situation can be resolved in more than one way; it is often a creative and less obvious method. I try to bring this creativity to work and think outside of the box when approaching problems.

What does good research culture mean to you, and why does it matter? 

Bp has a great set of central values which I strongly believe in, and these build a great culture within the team. 

Safety comes first, always. I think it should be everyone’s priority; the best work gets completed when everyone is safe. 

Patience is also part of good research culture – always be prepared for the unexpected in research and development. Experiments take time and precision; when things are rushed, mistakes happen, accuracy is reduced and the environment becomes unsafe.

How important would you say collaboration is for producing high quality science? How has collaboration influenced your work? 

Collaboration is the backbone of all high quality science projects. Having a multidisciplinary approach, bringing ideas from across the disciplines to find the best solution to a business challenge has had a positive influence on my work. It is important to remember every single member of a team plays a key role in the success of a project, no matter how small a role they may play. I found good communication amongst all disciplines made projects more efficient and successful. Working with all of the different disciplines was an enjoyable experience.