Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES)

Profile

General

I gained a degree in Physical Geography from the University of London in 2001 and I went on to complete a Masters degree in Oceanography at the University of Southampton in 2004, where my studies focused on biogeochemistry. My Master’s thesis examined the impact micro-reducing zones may have on the biogeochemical cycling of manganese and used the technique of ‘Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films’ (DGT) that I am now applying during my doctoral research.  I started my PhD in October 2009, and will be developing the method of DGT and Chemcatcher® in conjunction with the School of Biological Sciences and the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), to measure actinides (particularly uranium, plutonium, thorium and americium) in natural waters.

Career

Jan 2008 – Sept 2009: Analytical Chemist, AWE. I processed samples for tritium analysis using calorimetry, mass spectrometry, oxidation and liquid scintillation counting.  In addition I undertook method development into acid dissolution techniques and research in radioactive waste analysis. I was also the Facility Environmental Representative, the main responsibility of which was to ensure compliance with the Radioactive Substance Act 1993 (RSA 93). A tertiary position I also held was secretary for the Tritium Users Group. I co-organised several conferences, one of which was the initial meeting between the Tritium Users Group and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

April 2006 – January 2008: Environmental Scientist, AWE. My primary function was to co-ordinate the analysis and sentencing of bulk waste for off-site disposal, in line with the ‘Clearance and Exemption Code of Practice’ and the RSA 93. Environmental sampling was very important in this position and required the use of complex numerical models and techniques to aid analysis.

Teaching

Demonstrating for the following units:

• Level 1: Introductory Chemistry (1GS136)
• Level 2: Oceanography (BGS273)

Proffesional Affiliations

• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Field Experience

July 1998 - August 1998: Expedition to Saint Katherine's Protectorate, Sinai, Egypt. I was a member of an expedition team to undertake an Environment Impact Assessment of granite quarrying and potable water bacterical analysis in the Sinai region. This was affiliated with my degree, with funding gained from a variety of professional and educational bodies.

Publications

• Statham, P.J. and Turner, G. The role of bacteria and redox conditions in recycling trace metals from phytoplankton detritus. Poster presentation at Marine and Freshwater Microbial Biodiversity (M&FMB), Annual Science Meeting 2004, 28 – 30 June, 2004, University of East Anglia, Norwich
• Statham, P.J. and Turner, G. Recycling of elements from particles in the ocean water column: evidence for in situ reduction and release of dissolved manganese. Poster Presentation at the European Geosciences Union, April 2005.