Project: Improving the Evaporative Light Scattering Detector Through Experiments and Modelling

Supervisors: Prof. Simone Hochgreb

Frederick Bertani is a PhD student investigating Agilent’s Evaporative Light Scattering Detector. His project involves improving the ELSD with experiments and modelling in order to more thoroughly understand the physics underlying the device, allowing for optimisation. As part of the Aerosol Science CDT Fred spent time at the University of Bristol using Optical Tweezers to measure evaporation of single trapped droplets. He holds an MSci from Durham University where he studied chemistry & mathematics, there he completed his Master’s project in the synthesis of 2D materials beyond graphene as candidates for photocatalytic artificial photosynthesis.

Project: Optical Properties of Venusian Clouds

Supervisors: Prof. John Plane, Prof. Dan Marsh, Prof. Ben Murray

Before joining the CDT, Jo completed a Masters in Physics from the University of Oxford, specialising in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Planetary Physics and Particle Physics. Her research will involve looking into the composition of Venus’s upper cloud layer to try to explain its optical properties. In particular, she’ll be trying to identify the species responsible for the absorption in the blue to ultraviolet region of the spectrum which gives Venus its characteristic yellow colour and has remained unexplained for over 90 years.

Project: Particle Transport and Losses when Sampling Aircraft Engine Combustion Emissions

Supervisors: Dr. Paul Williams, Dr. Amanda Lea-Langton, Dr. Adam Boies, and Dr. Mark Johnson

Fergus graduated from Cardiff University with a MEng (International with a year in Industry) in Mechanical Engineering. As part of his degree he undertook an industrial placement year at Airbus and a semester abroad at the University of Miami. After completing a final year project with Airbus, he decided to pursue industry lead doctoral research.

He is working with the University of Manchester and Rolls Royce to improve the understanding of transport and losses when sampling aircraft combustion emissions, with a particular focus on sampling close to the combustion chamber. The aim of the research is to help develop more efficient aircraft combustion engine design.

Project: Replication and modelling of infectious respiratory droplets in humans and animals

Supervisors: Dr. Darryl Hill

What does a microbiologist have to do with aerosols? Robert’s project looks at how bacteria and viruses ‘survive’ the aerosolisation process when we breathe, talk, and cough. Hopefully helping to improve upon current models for disease transmission. After earning an undergraduate degree in Pathology and Microbiology from the University of Bristol, Robert continued at the School of Cellular Molecular Medicine in Bristol going on to complete a MRes developing genetically engineered nanoparticles.

Robert says “The boundaries between scientific disciplines is where the really exciting stuff happens. I am fascinated by using a variety of equipment during experimentation, characterisation and modeling. The Aerosol CDT stood out as an opportunity to further develop these skills in an interdisciplinary setting”. Outside of academia Robert enjoys cycling, drumming and chatting about his research down the pub.

Project: High Confidence Modelling of Particle Resuspension

Supervisors: Prof. Jonathan Reid,  Prof. Darragh Murnane, Prof. Wuge Briscoe

Edward was first introduced to Aerosol Science when researching the lightning-induced fragmentation of pollen for his Master’s degree at the University of Manchester. The project was a great practical application of his Physics background but also offered the opportunity to engage with multiple scientific disciplines. This led him to join the CDT and he is currently based at the University of Bristol researching the various factors that affect particle resuspension, such as particle morphology, surface roughness and relative humidity, with the aim of improving models for predicting resuspension.

Project: Development and Integration of Ultrafine Particle Charging Sensors

Supervisors: Prof. Simone Hochgreb

Josh graduated from the University of Cambridge with a MEng in Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering. Josh was introduced to aerosol science during his Master’s project, where he undertook a project investigating the use of low-cost aerosol sensors in roadside monitoring. This led him to join the CDT to pursue more detailed research into aerosol sensors. His PhD project has taken him back to the University of Cambridge where he is focusing on the development and integration of low-cost charging sensors for ultrafine particle monitoring.

Project: Smart Filtration of Aerosols in Ventilation Systems

Supervisors: Prof. Yannis Hardalupas

George did his integrated masters in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge. His PhD focuses on trying to manipulate and understand the flow and preferential concentration of particles within turbulent airflow. This can be used to develop more efficient filtration systems by concentrating particles and promoting agglomeration or coalesce resulting in larger particles sizes which are easier to filter out.

Project: Microphysiological models for the assessment of pulmonary concentration of inhaled aerosols