Committee
The Environmental Chemistry Group (ECG) Committee is made up of members from both academia and industry. Each committee member is assigned a specific role so that ECG members can easily access someone for specific information on a Group activity. Suggestions from members for topics for future ECG meetings are also particularly welcome.
Environmental Chemistry Group Committee April 2018. Back row: Dr Glynn Skerratt, Dr Tom Sizmur and Prof Steve Leharne. Front row: Dr Valerio Ferraci, Dr Rowena Fletcher-Wood, Dr Laura Newsome, Dr Clare Topping, Dr Zoë Fleming and Dr Roger Reeve
Dr Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay MRSC
Chair
Dr Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay is a lecturer in Environmental Engineering at the University of Glasgow. Caroline holds Masters degrees in Analytical Chemistry (EPSCI-Paris) and Forensic Science (University of Strathclyde) and a PhD in Environmental Engineering (Queen’s University, Belfast) and works at the boundary between engineering and science to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges such as pollution and water scarcity. Her research employs states of the art analytical and spectroscopic approaches to track and remediate contaminants, e.g. persistent organic pollutants, personal care products and micro plastics, in the natural environment and in engineered systems. world” issues and have developed solid partnerships with industry and policy makers. From early in her career, she has been committed to research that is strongly anchored in real-funding and support from companies and governmental bodies. Caroline is also an active player in issues around diversity and inclusion in STEM, she is co-project director on the VisNET Inclusion Matters project and a member of the TIGERs in STEMM. Caroline joined the committee in 2018.
Chair
Dr Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay is a lecturer in Environmental Engineering at the University of Glasgow. Caroline holds Masters degrees in Analytical Chemistry (EPSCI-Paris) and Forensic Science (University of Strathclyde) and a PhD in Environmental Engineering (Queen’s University, Belfast) and works at the boundary between engineering and science to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges such as pollution and water scarcity. Her research employs states of the art analytical and spectroscopic approaches to track and remediate contaminants, e.g. persistent organic pollutants, personal care products and micro plastics, in the natural environment and in engineered systems. world” issues and have developed solid partnerships with industry and policy makers. From early in her career, she has been committed to research that is strongly anchored in real-funding and support from companies and governmental bodies. Caroline is also an active player in issues around diversity and inclusion in STEM, she is co-project director on the VisNET Inclusion Matters project and a member of the TIGERs in STEMM. Caroline joined the committee in 2018.
Dr Rowena Fletcher-Wood CChem MRSC
Vice-Chair and Executive Editor ECG Bulletin
Dr Rowena Fletcher-Wood is a freelance science communicator and writer. She completed her doctoral research in environmental materials chemistry at the University of Birmingham on remediation of chromate species in waste water using redox-active molecular sieves and previously studied at Somerville College, Oxford. Her interests lie in outreach and communications. Rowena joined the committee in 2014.
Vice-Chair and Executive Editor ECG Bulletin
Dr Rowena Fletcher-Wood is a freelance science communicator and writer. She completed her doctoral research in environmental materials chemistry at the University of Birmingham on remediation of chromate species in waste water using redox-active molecular sieves and previously studied at Somerville College, Oxford. Her interests lie in outreach and communications. Rowena joined the committee in 2014.
Dr Helena Rapp Wright
Treasurer
Helena Rapp Wright earned her BSc in Chemistry at the University of La Laguna (ULL, Spain) in 2014 and an MRes in Forensic Science at King’s College London (KCL, UK) in 2016. During her BSc and MRes, she undertook an industrial placement and two research projects focused on analytical chemistry.
Following her MRes study, she worked at LGC (Fordham, UK) for two years in the small molecules department for bioanalytical sciences. Her work focused on developing analytical techniques for the identification and quantification of drugs from clinical trials, as well as their sample analysis. In 2018, she successfully secured a PhD studentship sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland. Her PhD was held in the School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University (DCU) and part-time at KCL, researching contaminants of emerging concern in environmental water samples. Her PhD was completed in 2021, and she is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London within the Emerging Chemical Contaminant Group.
Helena is also a member of Royal Society of Chemistry. Her research interests lie in the broad areas of analytical and environmental chemistry, mainly wastewater analysis, and contaminants of emerging concern.
Treasurer
Helena Rapp Wright earned her BSc in Chemistry at the University of La Laguna (ULL, Spain) in 2014 and an MRes in Forensic Science at King’s College London (KCL, UK) in 2016. During her BSc and MRes, she undertook an industrial placement and two research projects focused on analytical chemistry.
Following her MRes study, she worked at LGC (Fordham, UK) for two years in the small molecules department for bioanalytical sciences. Her work focused on developing analytical techniques for the identification and quantification of drugs from clinical trials, as well as their sample analysis. In 2018, she successfully secured a PhD studentship sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland. Her PhD was held in the School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University (DCU) and part-time at KCL, researching contaminants of emerging concern in environmental water samples. Her PhD was completed in 2021, and she is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London within the Emerging Chemical Contaminant Group.
Helena is also a member of Royal Society of Chemistry. Her research interests lie in the broad areas of analytical and environmental chemistry, mainly wastewater analysis, and contaminants of emerging concern.
Laura Alcock BSc. (Hons)
Secretary & DGL Co-Convenor
Laura Alcock is a Project Lead at Edwards Ltd. The site where she is employed manufactures Exhaust Management, or Abatement, Systems for the safe destruction and removal of harmful process gases involved in the manufacture of semiconductors, solar panels, flat panel displays, LEDs, etc., to prevent their introduction into the environment. She is responsible for coordinating projects to commercialise new products and platforms – this helps to improve efficiency and Laura’s role allows her to ensure that products are designed in a manner that minimises their impact on the environment.
Laura studied for her BSc. (Hons.) in Forensic Science, at Liverpool John Moores University and has varied work experience which opened her eyes to the extent to which people consider their surroundings as disposable. Her work now allows her the opportunity to correct this consideration and to make a real contribution to the protection of our global environment. Laura is currently looking into further study, with a particular interest and focus on environmental chemistry and energy processes. Laura joined the committee in 2018.
Secretary & DGL Co-Convenor
Laura Alcock is a Project Lead at Edwards Ltd. The site where she is employed manufactures Exhaust Management, or Abatement, Systems for the safe destruction and removal of harmful process gases involved in the manufacture of semiconductors, solar panels, flat panel displays, LEDs, etc., to prevent their introduction into the environment. She is responsible for coordinating projects to commercialise new products and platforms – this helps to improve efficiency and Laura’s role allows her to ensure that products are designed in a manner that minimises their impact on the environment.
Laura studied for her BSc. (Hons.) in Forensic Science, at Liverpool John Moores University and has varied work experience which opened her eyes to the extent to which people consider their surroundings as disposable. Her work now allows her the opportunity to correct this consideration and to make a real contribution to the protection of our global environment. Laura is currently looking into further study, with a particular interest and focus on environmental chemistry and energy processes. Laura joined the committee in 2018.
Symiah Barnett
Pablo Campo-Moreno MRSC
Dr Pablo Campo-Moreno is a senior lecturer in applied chemistry at the Water Science Institute, Cranfield University. He investigates the behaviour of chemicals in both natural and engineered aquatic systems. His research focuses on the following areas: fate, and transport of nutrients and contaminants of emerging concern in water, soils, and sediments; environmental forensics to identify sources and reaction pathways; and field- and laboratory-scale experimental research that bridges gaps between data and predictions from molecular, continuum, and field-scale modelling. Pablo joined the committee in 2021.
Dr Pablo Campo-Moreno is a senior lecturer in applied chemistry at the Water Science Institute, Cranfield University. He investigates the behaviour of chemicals in both natural and engineered aquatic systems. His research focuses on the following areas: fate, and transport of nutrients and contaminants of emerging concern in water, soils, and sediments; environmental forensics to identify sources and reaction pathways; and field- and laboratory-scale experimental research that bridges gaps between data and predictions from molecular, continuum, and field-scale modelling. Pablo joined the committee in 2021.
Dr John Collins FRSC
Dr John Collins completed his doctorate at Sheffield University, researching coatings for heat resistant alloys. He is Deputy Director of Evidence, Assessment and Evaluation at the Environment Agency, where his team provides evidence to lead and enable activities across air, water and land, including: River Basin planning, tackling waste crime, catchment sensitive farming and state of the environment reporting. John’s team also takes a strategic view, leading on horizon scanning and futures work and developing a Natural Capital approach. John leads the Environment Agency’s RSC accredited scheme supporting candidates for membership and chartered status. John joined the committee in 2020.
Dr John Collins completed his doctorate at Sheffield University, researching coatings for heat resistant alloys. He is Deputy Director of Evidence, Assessment and Evaluation at the Environment Agency, where his team provides evidence to lead and enable activities across air, water and land, including: River Basin planning, tackling waste crime, catchment sensitive farming and state of the environment reporting. John’s team also takes a strategic view, leading on horizon scanning and futures work and developing a Natural Capital approach. John leads the Environment Agency’s RSC accredited scheme supporting candidates for membership and chartered status. John joined the committee in 2020.
Dr Sebastian Diez
Sebastian Diez is currently Researcher at the C+ Research Center (Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile). During his PhD training, he has developed experience in field trace gases and aerosol measurements, and more recently in low-cost sensor and satellite products. After his doctoral studies, he has been involved with regional NGOs and local governments working on climate change and air quality projects. He is currently a member of the Latin America Early Career Earth System Scientist Network (LAECESS) and editor of Nibö, a digital media aiming to socialise scientific knowledge in LatAm. Sebastian joined the committee in 2022.
Sebastian Diez is currently Researcher at the C+ Research Center (Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile). During his PhD training, he has developed experience in field trace gases and aerosol measurements, and more recently in low-cost sensor and satellite products. After his doctoral studies, he has been involved with regional NGOs and local governments working on climate change and air quality projects. He is currently a member of the Latin America Early Career Earth System Scientist Network (LAECESS) and editor of Nibö, a digital media aiming to socialise scientific knowledge in LatAm. Sebastian joined the committee in 2022.
Dr Valerio Ferracci MRSC
Dr Valerio Ferracci is a research fellow at the Centre for Atmospheric Informatics and Emissions Technology at Cranfield University. His research interests lie in atmospheric chemistry and trace gas measurements.
Valerio obtained his PhD from University College London on laboratory studies of the kinetics of ozone-depleting halogen oxide radical reactions. He then worked at the National Physical Laboratory on the detection of volatile organic compounds and reactive gaseous species using a variety of techniques. Following a post-doctoral position at the University of Cambridge in which he explored tropospheric oxidation pathways in global atmospheric models, he moved to his current position in Cranfield to work on the development of low-cost sensors for long-term monitoring of atmospherically important species. Valerio joined the committee in 2017.
Dr Valerio Ferracci is a research fellow at the Centre for Atmospheric Informatics and Emissions Technology at Cranfield University. His research interests lie in atmospheric chemistry and trace gas measurements.
Valerio obtained his PhD from University College London on laboratory studies of the kinetics of ozone-depleting halogen oxide radical reactions. He then worked at the National Physical Laboratory on the detection of volatile organic compounds and reactive gaseous species using a variety of techniques. Following a post-doctoral position at the University of Cambridge in which he explored tropospheric oxidation pathways in global atmospheric models, he moved to his current position in Cranfield to work on the development of low-cost sensors for long-term monitoring of atmospherically important species. Valerio joined the committee in 2017.
Niall Marsay
Dr Stephanie Powley MRSC
Dr Stephanie Powley is an analytical chemist at British American Tobacco, Southampton. Stephanie gained her PhD at the University of Southampton, having previously studied for a BSc in Environmental Chemistry at Bangor University and an MSc in Oceanography at the University of Southampton. Having grown up on the Isle of Wight, Steph retains a strong interest in Environmental Chemistry, with a particular interest in marine chemistry, as a personal passion, not directly related to her current professional area. Steph is also a keen advocate of science communication and runs a small blog where she covers a variety or science news items and topics, often with a focus on environmental matters. Steph joined the committee in 2021.
Dr Stephanie Powley is an analytical chemist at British American Tobacco, Southampton. Stephanie gained her PhD at the University of Southampton, having previously studied for a BSc in Environmental Chemistry at Bangor University and an MSc in Oceanography at the University of Southampton. Having grown up on the Isle of Wight, Steph retains a strong interest in Environmental Chemistry, with a particular interest in marine chemistry, as a personal passion, not directly related to her current professional area. Steph is also a keen advocate of science communication and runs a small blog where she covers a variety or science news items and topics, often with a focus on environmental matters. Steph joined the committee in 2021.
Dr Kiri Rodgers
Dr Tomás Sherwen
Dr Tomás Sherwen is a research scientist for the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) at the University of York where he has a focus on numerical modelling of the chemistry of the atmosphere.
His PhD focused on developing the atmospheric chemistry scheme in the global open-source GEOS-Chem model to explore the concentrations and the effects of halogen chemistry in the preindustrial & present day. Since then he has worked at both global and regional scales and uses novel machine-learning techniques. He works on a range of science questions from Criegee intermediates (e.g. see this explainer from the ECG Bulletin) to sulfur-halogen atmospheric cycles to sea-surface concentrations. Tomás joined the committee in 2019.
Dr Tomás Sherwen is a research scientist for the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) at the University of York where he has a focus on numerical modelling of the chemistry of the atmosphere.
His PhD focused on developing the atmospheric chemistry scheme in the global open-source GEOS-Chem model to explore the concentrations and the effects of halogen chemistry in the preindustrial & present day. Since then he has worked at both global and regional scales and uses novel machine-learning techniques. He works on a range of science questions from Criegee intermediates (e.g. see this explainer from the ECG Bulletin) to sulfur-halogen atmospheric cycles to sea-surface concentrations. Tomás joined the committee in 2019.
Former Committee Members
Prof Bill Bloss CChem FRSC
Professor Bloss is Reader in Atmospheric Science at the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham. Bill’s research interests are in the field of atmospheric chemistry, specifically: (1) the sources and sinks of atmospheric oxidants, and their impacts upon air quality and tropospheric composition; (2) the role of inorganic halogens in the atmosphere e.g. ClOx radicals in the polar stratosphere and iodine and bromine compounds in the Marine Boundary Layer. These topics are studied through a combination of atmospheric field measurements, laboratory experiments to study specific processes, and detailed chemical models to simulate atmospheric composition. Bill served on the committee from 2002 - 2018.
Professor Bloss is Reader in Atmospheric Science at the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham. Bill’s research interests are in the field of atmospheric chemistry, specifically: (1) the sources and sinks of atmospheric oxidants, and their impacts upon air quality and tropospheric composition; (2) the role of inorganic halogens in the atmosphere e.g. ClOx radicals in the polar stratosphere and iodine and bromine compounds in the Marine Boundary Layer. These topics are studied through a combination of atmospheric field measurements, laboratory experiments to study specific processes, and detailed chemical models to simulate atmospheric composition. Bill served on the committee from 2002 - 2018.
Dr Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink CChem MRSC
Editorial Advisor
Dr Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink served on the committee from 2011 - 2018.
Editorial Advisor
Dr Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink served on the committee from 2011 - 2018.
Dr Zoë Fleming MRSC
Vice-chair
Dr Zoë Fleming is a researcher for the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) on the analysis of long term atmospheric trace gas measurements. She used to be based at the University of Leicester but has now moved to Santiago, Chile. Zoë works closely with the Met Office using dispersion modelling to track the long range transport of pollutants across the globe and their effects on atmospheric composition and chemistry. She looks at trends in pollutants and trace gases from monitoring station data and field campaign measurements and is also interested in assessing the performance of small sensors for air quality measurements. Zoë is interested in the communication of environmental science and community and public outreach and is currently working with the London Sustainability Exchange on an air quality community outreach project thanks to RSC funding. Zoë served on the committee from 2012 - 2019.
Vice-chair
Dr Zoë Fleming is a researcher for the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) on the analysis of long term atmospheric trace gas measurements. She used to be based at the University of Leicester but has now moved to Santiago, Chile. Zoë works closely with the Met Office using dispersion modelling to track the long range transport of pollutants across the globe and their effects on atmospheric composition and chemistry. She looks at trends in pollutants and trace gases from monitoring station data and field campaign measurements and is also interested in assessing the performance of small sensors for air quality measurements. Zoë is interested in the communication of environmental science and community and public outreach and is currently working with the London Sustainability Exchange on an air quality community outreach project thanks to RSC funding. Zoë served on the committee from 2012 - 2019.
Mr Ian Forber CSci CChem MRSC
Ian Forber is a Method Development Chemist at Scientific Analysis Laboratories (SAL). SAL is a major UK contract laboratory with specialities including land, water, air and food analysis. Ian has extensive laboratory and industrial experience and whilst his main specialist area is inorganic analytical chemistry, it also includes some organic analytical techniques such as HPLC. Ian served on the committee from 2012 - 2018.
Ian Forber is a Method Development Chemist at Scientific Analysis Laboratories (SAL). SAL is a major UK contract laboratory with specialities including land, water, air and food analysis. Ian has extensive laboratory and industrial experience and whilst his main specialist area is inorganic analytical chemistry, it also includes some organic analytical techniques such as HPLC. Ian served on the committee from 2012 - 2018.
Mr Brian Graham MRSC
Brian Graham is currently Senior Geo-Environmental Engineer at the National House Building Council (NHBC) and is part of the team responsible for assessing land quality, groundwater and ground gas issues regarding new build houses. Prior to joining NHBC, Brian had more than 20 years experience in consultancy within the contaminated land and related fields. This includes designing and supervising site investigation works, scheduling and assessing chemical testing as well as designing, building and operating treatment plants for groundwater and contaminated soil treatment.
Brian is also a qualified waste manager, is qualified to deal with Hazardous Wastes and is a Qualified Person under the CLAIRE definition of waste scheme.
His main chemistry interests are solvent and oil remediation having spent a long time examining LNAPL and DNAPL chemical spills in groundwater and related soils and how to employ the best, often novel, techniques to provide clean up. This includes chemical solutions as well as treatment plant and civil engineering techniques. Much of his work has involved merging chemical and engineering solutions to achieve site clean up. Brian has a particular interest in sustainable technologies and methods.
He is also a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Water and Environment Manager. Brian served on the committee from 2015 - 2018.
Brian Graham is currently Senior Geo-Environmental Engineer at the National House Building Council (NHBC) and is part of the team responsible for assessing land quality, groundwater and ground gas issues regarding new build houses. Prior to joining NHBC, Brian had more than 20 years experience in consultancy within the contaminated land and related fields. This includes designing and supervising site investigation works, scheduling and assessing chemical testing as well as designing, building and operating treatment plants for groundwater and contaminated soil treatment.
Brian is also a qualified waste manager, is qualified to deal with Hazardous Wastes and is a Qualified Person under the CLAIRE definition of waste scheme.
His main chemistry interests are solvent and oil remediation having spent a long time examining LNAPL and DNAPL chemical spills in groundwater and related soils and how to employ the best, often novel, techniques to provide clean up. This includes chemical solutions as well as treatment plant and civil engineering techniques. Much of his work has involved merging chemical and engineering solutions to achieve site clean up. Brian has a particular interest in sustainable technologies and methods.
He is also a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Water and Environment Manager. Brian served on the committee from 2015 - 2018.
Dr Martin King MRSC
Vice-chair
Dr Martin King’s research reflects a broad interest in the way chemistry can effect modern climate change, and is currently focused in three areas:
The oxidation potential of photochemistry in snow and sea ice, and the resultant fluxes of gaseous chemicals from the snowpack.
Vice-chair
Dr Martin King’s research reflects a broad interest in the way chemistry can effect modern climate change, and is currently focused in three areas:
The oxidation potential of photochemistry in snow and sea ice, and the resultant fluxes of gaseous chemicals from the snowpack.
- The atmospheric oxidation of molecular films on aerosol and rain droplets.
- The vicarious calibration of earth observing instruments and the effect of atmospheric aerosol on snowpack albedo.
Professor Steve Leharne CChem FRSC
Secretary
Professor Steve Leharne CChem FRSC is Professor (emeritus) of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Greenwich. His major scientific and research interests have been focussed, over the past twenty years, upon the transport and fate of denser than water non-aqueous phase liquids in soils and aquifer formations. Typical examples of these organic liquids, commonly referred to as DNAPLs, include chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents and coal tar. The second major research theme arising from this primary focus has been on the remedial challenges arising from the water quality degradation that arises from DNAPL presence in groundwater. In particular we have examined the use of surfactants and more recently colloidal particles to remove entrapped DNAPL droplets from water wetting porous media. Leharne is the co-author of two practitioner focussed Handbooks dealing with DNAPL and LNAPL fate in UK aquifers published respectively by the Environment Agency and CL:AIRE (Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments). Steve served on the committee from 2015 - 2022.
Secretary
Professor Steve Leharne CChem FRSC is Professor (emeritus) of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Greenwich. His major scientific and research interests have been focussed, over the past twenty years, upon the transport and fate of denser than water non-aqueous phase liquids in soils and aquifer formations. Typical examples of these organic liquids, commonly referred to as DNAPLs, include chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents and coal tar. The second major research theme arising from this primary focus has been on the remedial challenges arising from the water quality degradation that arises from DNAPL presence in groundwater. In particular we have examined the use of surfactants and more recently colloidal particles to remove entrapped DNAPL droplets from water wetting porous media. Leharne is the co-author of two practitioner focussed Handbooks dealing with DNAPL and LNAPL fate in UK aquifers published respectively by the Environment Agency and CL:AIRE (Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments). Steve served on the committee from 2015 - 2022.
Dr Laura Newsome MRSC
Website editor
Dr Laura Newsome is a lecturer in Applied Geomicrobiology at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. Her research interests cover how the activity of microorganisms influences geological and geochemical processes and vice versa, particularly how microbes affect the fate and transport of contaminants and metals in the natural environment. Laura gained her PhD at the University of Manchester and prior to this she worked at the Environment Agency and as an environmental consultant. Laura served on the committee from 2017 to 2022.
Website editor
Dr Laura Newsome is a lecturer in Applied Geomicrobiology at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. Her research interests cover how the activity of microorganisms influences geological and geochemical processes and vice versa, particularly how microbes affect the fate and transport of contaminants and metals in the natural environment. Laura gained her PhD at the University of Manchester and prior to this she worked at the Environment Agency and as an environmental consultant. Laura served on the committee from 2017 to 2022.
Irene O’Callaghan AMRSC
Irene O’Callaghan is a postgraduate researcher at University College Cork. Her research is focused on the fate and impacts of emerging contaminants and trace metals on the aquatic environment, with an emphasis on uptake and accumulation in benthic macroinvertebrates. Adjacent research interests include the legacy contamination of sediments and the application of analytical techniques to pressing environmental issues. Irene read for a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and a MSc in Analytical Chemistry, before obtaining an Irish Research Council Scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in Environmental Chemistry. Irene joined the committee in 2021.
Irene O’Callaghan is a postgraduate researcher at University College Cork. Her research is focused on the fate and impacts of emerging contaminants and trace metals on the aquatic environment, with an emphasis on uptake and accumulation in benthic macroinvertebrates. Adjacent research interests include the legacy contamination of sediments and the application of analytical techniques to pressing environmental issues. Irene read for a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and a MSc in Analytical Chemistry, before obtaining an Irish Research Council Scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in Environmental Chemistry. Irene joined the committee in 2021.
Dr David Owen, MRSC
Dr David Owen is the retired Founder and Managing Director of Treatchem Ltd, an SME company specialising in custom designed process water and waste water management programmes . The company exists to help industrial water users comply with environmental regulations by the supply of consultancy, chemicals and temporary plant where required. David is a serial entrepreneur in the field of environmental speciality chemical applications.
He completed his PhD at Birmingham University on the preparative electrochemistry of fluoro-organic molecules and previously studied at Liverpool University. His interests lie in the new technologies emerging to remediate or cure the environmental problems currently of interest in the fields of water, soil and air pollution. David joined the committee in 2017.
Dr David Owen is the retired Founder and Managing Director of Treatchem Ltd, an SME company specialising in custom designed process water and waste water management programmes . The company exists to help industrial water users comply with environmental regulations by the supply of consultancy, chemicals and temporary plant where required. David is a serial entrepreneur in the field of environmental speciality chemical applications.
He completed his PhD at Birmingham University on the preparative electrochemistry of fluoro-organic molecules and previously studied at Liverpool University. His interests lie in the new technologies emerging to remediate or cure the environmental problems currently of interest in the fields of water, soil and air pollution. David joined the committee in 2017.
Dr Rupert Purchase CChem FRSC
ECG Bulletin Editor
Rupert Purchase studied chemistry at the South-East Essex Technical College [Grad. RIC Part II (External), 1967] and the University of York (D.Phil., 1972). He is a Chartered Chemist (CChem), Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and an Honorary Member of the Wilson’s Disease Support Group – UK. He has contributed to the Dictionary of Organic Compounds / The Combined Chemical Dictionary published by CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, and was a freelance editor for Science of Synthesis: Houben-Weyl Methods of Molecular Transformations published in 48 volumes by Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 2000-2010. He edited (and founded) the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Environmental Chemistry Group Bulletin from 1995 to 2013, and was awarded the RSC’s Long Service Award in 2011. Rupert is currently (2020) a member of the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) Wilson’s Disease Special Interest Group. Rupert served on the committee from 1986 - 2018.
ECG Bulletin Editor
Rupert Purchase studied chemistry at the South-East Essex Technical College [Grad. RIC Part II (External), 1967] and the University of York (D.Phil., 1972). He is a Chartered Chemist (CChem), Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and an Honorary Member of the Wilson’s Disease Support Group – UK. He has contributed to the Dictionary of Organic Compounds / The Combined Chemical Dictionary published by CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, and was a freelance editor for Science of Synthesis: Houben-Weyl Methods of Molecular Transformations published in 48 volumes by Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 2000-2010. He edited (and founded) the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Environmental Chemistry Group Bulletin from 1995 to 2013, and was awarded the RSC’s Long Service Award in 2011. Rupert is currently (2020) a member of the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) Wilson’s Disease Special Interest Group. Rupert served on the committee from 1986 - 2018.
Dr Roger Reeve CChem MRSC
Assistant Editor ECG Bulletin
Dr Roger Reeve is a Senior Lecturer teaching Analytical, Inorganic and Environmental Chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Sunderland. Roger’s current interest is in the analysis of pharmaceuticals in the environment. He has written two books on environmental analysis, the most recent, ‘Introduction to Environmental Analysis’, having recently been published in Chinese. Prior to his appointment at Sunderland, Roger worked in a process plant manufacturing company specialising in atmospheric pollution control equipment. Roger served on the committee from 2007 - 2023.
Assistant Editor ECG Bulletin
Dr Roger Reeve is a Senior Lecturer teaching Analytical, Inorganic and Environmental Chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Sunderland. Roger’s current interest is in the analysis of pharmaceuticals in the environment. He has written two books on environmental analysis, the most recent, ‘Introduction to Environmental Analysis’, having recently been published in Chinese. Prior to his appointment at Sunderland, Roger worked in a process plant manufacturing company specialising in atmospheric pollution control equipment. Roger served on the committee from 2007 - 2023.
Dr Tom Sizmur MRSC
Vice Chair
Dr Tom Sizmur is an Associate Professor in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Reading. His research interest spans soil biogeochemistry in contaminated and agricultural systems with an emphasis on the interactions between organisms and their environment. His current research is on the use of biochar in environmental remediation and on the improvement of soils by applying organic amendments. Prior to this appointment Tom worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Rothamsted Research (UK), Iowa State University (USA) and Acadia University (Canada) and gained his PhD from the University of Reading. Tom served on the committee from 2015 - 2022.
Vice Chair
Dr Tom Sizmur is an Associate Professor in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Reading. His research interest spans soil biogeochemistry in contaminated and agricultural systems with an emphasis on the interactions between organisms and their environment. His current research is on the use of biochar in environmental remediation and on the improvement of soils by applying organic amendments. Prior to this appointment Tom worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Rothamsted Research (UK), Iowa State University (USA) and Acadia University (Canada) and gained his PhD from the University of Reading. Tom served on the committee from 2015 - 2022.
Dr Glynn Skerratt CChem CEnv CSci CWEM FCIWEM FHEA FRSC
Secretary
Dr Glynn Skerratt is a retired Reader in Environmental Chemistry who worked in the Faulty of Sciences at Staffordshire University for 23 years. He has a PhD for his work elucidating aspects of organophosphorus chemistry kinetics and has taught many aspects of environmental chemistry, environmental management and sustainability. Whilst working in higher education, Glynn developed wide experience of distance and on-campus learning and teaching, in-company training, consultancy, applied research and marketing/project/people management and has delivered staff development workshops in e-learning, independent learning and enterprise/entrepreneurship for the Higher Education Academy.
Prior to working at Staffordshire University, Glynn spent fifteen years working in scientific and operational management in the UK water industry – managing laboratories and working in the industrial effluent regulation and wastewater treatment operations sectors.
He currently acts as an expert evaluator for EU Horizon 2020 project proposals and reviews both interim and final project reports for these. He has also been an evaluator for proposals for UK British Council Development Partnerships in HE, the British Council Prime Minister’s Initiative and British Council England-Africa and UK-India Partnerships. Glynn is an active member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and acts as a professional reviewer for membership applicants and as a university award accreditor for them. Glynn served on the committee from 2017 - 2020.
Secretary
Dr Glynn Skerratt is a retired Reader in Environmental Chemistry who worked in the Faulty of Sciences at Staffordshire University for 23 years. He has a PhD for his work elucidating aspects of organophosphorus chemistry kinetics and has taught many aspects of environmental chemistry, environmental management and sustainability. Whilst working in higher education, Glynn developed wide experience of distance and on-campus learning and teaching, in-company training, consultancy, applied research and marketing/project/people management and has delivered staff development workshops in e-learning, independent learning and enterprise/entrepreneurship for the Higher Education Academy.
Prior to working at Staffordshire University, Glynn spent fifteen years working in scientific and operational management in the UK water industry – managing laboratories and working in the industrial effluent regulation and wastewater treatment operations sectors.
He currently acts as an expert evaluator for EU Horizon 2020 project proposals and reviews both interim and final project reports for these. He has also been an evaluator for proposals for UK British Council Development Partnerships in HE, the British Council Prime Minister’s Initiative and British Council England-Africa and UK-India Partnerships. Glynn is an active member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and acts as a professional reviewer for membership applicants and as a university award accreditor for them. Glynn served on the committee from 2017 - 2020.
Dr Clare Topping MRSC CChem MIEMA CEnv
Dr Clare Topping is the Energy and Sustainability Manager at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. Her interests include the health effects of pollution, plastics and the circular economy as well as the environmental impacts of healthcare.
Clare gained her PhD at Warwick University on the preparation of telechelic methacrylates using macromers as chain transfer agents. She then worked in the contact lens industry before moving to a position with an irradiation company. Clare served on the committee from 2017 - 2020.
Dr Clare Topping is the Energy and Sustainability Manager at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. Her interests include the health effects of pollution, plastics and the circular economy as well as the environmental impacts of healthcare.
Clare gained her PhD at Warwick University on the preparation of telechelic methacrylates using macromers as chain transfer agents. She then worked in the contact lens industry before moving to a position with an irradiation company. Clare served on the committee from 2017 - 2020.
Prof Dominik Weiss MRSC
DGL Co-Convenor
Professor Dominik Weiss is a Professor in Environmental Geochemistry and has extensive experience in conducting research in low temperature geochemistry. His work tries to explain what controls trace element cycling in the environment from molecular to global scales. A special focus is on understanding the chemistry at surfaces and in solutions as well as on global biogeochemical cycles. Key contributions to date have been pioneering the application of non-traditional stable isotopes in environmental science, improving our understanding of Zn efficiency mechanisms in rice, in developing a qualitative and quantitative understanding of human impact on atmospheric metal cycles and in establishing peat core archives as terrestrial archive to study changes in global dust cycles. His group uses a combination of field, laboratory and theoretical experiments to test underlying hypothesis or to improve the understanding of processes and mechanisms. Dominik served on the committee from 2017 - 2022.
DGL Co-Convenor
Professor Dominik Weiss is a Professor in Environmental Geochemistry and has extensive experience in conducting research in low temperature geochemistry. His work tries to explain what controls trace element cycling in the environment from molecular to global scales. A special focus is on understanding the chemistry at surfaces and in solutions as well as on global biogeochemical cycles. Key contributions to date have been pioneering the application of non-traditional stable isotopes in environmental science, improving our understanding of Zn efficiency mechanisms in rice, in developing a qualitative and quantitative understanding of human impact on atmospheric metal cycles and in establishing peat core archives as terrestrial archive to study changes in global dust cycles. His group uses a combination of field, laboratory and theoretical experiments to test underlying hypothesis or to improve the understanding of processes and mechanisms. Dominik served on the committee from 2017 - 2022.
