19  Last checked 23 June 2020

I graduated from the University of East Anglia with a BSc(Hons) in Chemistry. After studying analytical chemistry at the University of Liverpool and computer interfacing at Middlesex Polytechnic I went on to work in The Catalysis Research Unit under Prof. Phil Barnes at Leeds Metropolitan University, obtaining my PhD there in the area of novel thermal analysis techniques. After spending a year at the University of Central Lancashire, I moved to the University of Huddersfield and became a lecturer, then Senior Lecturer in Analytical Science. In 2012 I became Reader in Analytical Science. I am Course Leader for the MSc Analytical Science and the MSc Forensic Science courses.

I have taught a range of topics including physical and analytical chemistry but, since 2002, I have been mainly involved on our Forensic & Analytical Science degree being responsible for the 1st and 2nd year Practical Forensic Science modules and also contributing to the Crime Scene Investigation module.

In 2018 the Thermal Methods Research Unit was formed by Dr Gareth Parkes, Dr Lindsay Harding, Prof Eneritus Edward Charsley, Dr Lisa Gillie and Dr Gage Ashton. The unit focuses on thermal analysis, thermal analysis linked to mass spectrometry and thermal processing.

My main research interests lie in thermal analysis / thermal processing and include:

• Novel thermal analysis techniques based on induction and microwave heating
• Linking thernal analysis techniques, such as hostage microscopy, to ambient ionisation mass spectrometry
• Sample controlled thermal analysis (SCTA)
• Thermal analsysis / thermal processing of materials ranging from mixed metal oxides to pharmaceuticals

I also have forensic research interests in

• Monitoring of VOCs of forensic importance using headspace and thermal desorption GC-MS (with Dr Natasha Reed)
• Analysis of the damage to textiles caused by bladed weapons (with Dr Esta Bostock)

Click Here to see all postgraduate research opportunities with Dr Gareth Parkes