Connor graduated from the University of Leeds with an integrated MChem/BSc in Chemistry with First Class honours. During his research project, he worked with Dr Sridharan within the field of organic synthesis to find novel syntheses for N-heterocycles with the potential for bioactivity by combining the imino Diels-Alder reaction with transition metal catalysis.

He then stayed at the University of Leeds to undertake a PhD in chemical and process engineering, supervised by Dr Bourne and Dr Chamberlain. His project focusses on finding new kinetics methodologies, facilitated by self-learning flow reactors and machine learning algorithms. This interdisciplinary combination of chemical engineering and computer science ultimately leads to effective process optimisation.