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 in Analytical Chemistry.

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.

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

• Novel thermal analysis techniques based on induction and microwave heating
• Sample controlled thermal analysis (SCTA)
• Thermal analsysis of materials ranging from mixed metal oxides to pharmaceuticals
• Linking hot-stage microscopy to ambient ionisation mass spectrometry

I also have forensic reserach interests in

• Monitoring of decomposition VOCs using headspace and thermal desorption GC-MS
• Clothing damage analysis 

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