Professional summary
Research Interests
I am the head of the Centralised Chemistry Group at CEH, comprising of a team of 13 chemists that analyses low levels of nutrients, metals, organic compounds and stable isotopes in environmental samples. I am also the technical manager for the organics group, specialising in the analyses of persistent organic compounds, phytopigments, pharmaceuticals, phospolipid fatty acids, neonicotinoides, etc.
I research persistent organic pollutants at environmental levels as well as try to identify emerging compounds that could pose a risk to the environment, wildlife and humans. Within this broad field of research, my specific interest is in the extent of exposure to contaminants by the wild birds and its effects, with particular emphasis given to the:
- Temporal and special distribution of “old and “new” POPs in wildlife
- Levels of a wide range of contaminants in wildlife
- Effects of transfers through the food chain on contaminant levels
- Source attribution of PAHs in wild birds
Brief CV
- Head of the Centralised Chemistry Facility at CEH (since 2011)
- Senior Scientific Officer - Research in Verterbrate Ecotoxicology and Environmental Chemist (2009-2011) at CEH
- Higher Scientific Officer - Environmental organic chemist (2006-2009) at CEH
- Post-Doctorate Research Fellow (2000-2006), School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor and University of the Algarve, Portugal
- Part-time tutor of chemistry (2005-2006) at Trinity College, University of Dublin
- Part-time tutor of chemistry (2003-2006) in the foundation programme at ELCOS, University of Wales, Bangor
- Part time tutor of Applied Sciences (2003-2004) at Coleg Menai, Bangor
- Post-Doctoral Research Officer (1998-2000), School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, UK
- PhD Marine Biogeochemistry (1999)- School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, UK
- MSc- Sciences of Coastal Zones (1993)- Aveiro University, Portugal
- Research Assistant (1990-1991), Aveiro University, Portugal
- First Degree: “Licenciatura” in Biology (1990)- Aveiro University, Portugal
Qualifications
- Ph.D.- Marine Biogeochemistry - School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, UK
- MSc: Sciences of Coastal Zones - Aveiro University, Portugal
- FirstDegree: “Licenciatura” in Biology - Aveiro University, Portugal
- Ph.D.- Marine Biogeochemistry - School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, UK
- MSc: Sciences of Coastal Zones - Aveiro University, Portugal
- FirstDegree: “Licenciatura” in Biology - Aveiro University, Portugal
Panels, committees and memberships
Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry