About

I teach a broad range of chemistry topics, particularly those relating to the analysis of samples of forensic interest.

Teaching responsibilities

I lead the following modules on the Forensic Science, Human Biology, Biomedical Science, Biology and Zoology undergraduate degree programmes:

• Toxicology & Drugs of Abuse
• Forensic Analysis
• Chemistry of Life

I also teach on the following modules:

• Medical Forensics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Trace Evidence
• Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

In addition to this, I supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects in the area of analytical chemistry, with a particular interest in drug analysis and entomotoxicology.

Professional interests

I am passionate about breaking the common misconceptions that Chemistry is a difficult, dull subject.  To achieve this, I use an enthusiastic and engaging delivery style supplemented by a blended teaching approach utilising technology enhanced study materials as appropriate, all with a firm emphasis on real world context.  I am also a keen advocate for students as partners in their own learning and was recently voted onto the Student Experience, Learning and Teaching Committee.  Prior to this, I was a member of the college learning and teaching strategy group.

Research interests

I have a number of research interests relating to the application of analytical chemistry to real world challenges.  These include the chiral analysis of drugs of abuse to provide an enhanced chemical profile for determining their source; and the analysis of volatile organic compounds produced during post-mortem decay.

Membership of professional bodies

• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Member of The Chromatographic Society

Qualifications

Undergraduate Qualifications 

• MSc (Hons) Chemistry, Durham University

Postgraduate Qualifications 

• MSc in Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde
• PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Anglia Ruskin University

Research Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry (Forensics), University of the West of Scotland

Recent conferences

In 2018, I presented my work on the use of videos for learning, teaching and assessment at the University of Derby's Learning and Teaching Conference.  Prior to this, I have also presented my work on the chiral analysis of drugs of abuse at conferences across the UK.

International experience

I was invited to speak at the Beijing Institute of Forensic Medicine and Science in China on Raman and SERS Spectroscopy in the Analysis of Inks Using a FORAM 685-2 Raman Spectral Comparator.

Additional interests and activities

I sit on the Royal Society of Chemistry's East Midlands Regional Section Committee. As part of this role, I also organise the regional final of the RSC's Top of the Bench Competition on an annual basis.

In the media

Spoke on BBC Radio Derby to discuss the change in regulations for prescribing cannabis-based medicinal products (2018).

Spoke on BBC Radio Derby regarding the discovery of 4 new elements in the periodic table (2016)

Recent publications

• Drake, S.J., Morrison, C. and Smith, F. (2011) Simultaneous Chiral Separation of Methylamphetamine and Common Precursors Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Chirality, 23:593-601. (DOI: 10.1002/chir.20977)