Project: Multi-level Orthogonal Characterisation of Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) Formulations for Improved Manufacturing Processes

Supervisors: Dr Matthew Jones and Prof. Darragh Murnane

I am Amala, and my career began as a hospital pharmacist after graduating with a bachelor’s in pharmacy from Kerala, India in 2017. In 2019, I moved to Australia, where I started Diploma in Community Services and overseas pharmacist conversion process. COVID-19 pandemic made me realise the power of research to impact health outcomes at a much larger scale. This realisation shifted my focus from patient facing roles to pharmaceutical research, a space where I could contribute to innovations capable of helping millions of people.

In 2021, I moved to the UK, a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation where many major medical discoveries have originated. I went on to complete an MSc in Drug Discovery and Development at the University of Central Lancashire. My master’s project focused on improving the bioavailability of an antimalarial drug by experimenting with different formulation parameters, incorporating nanotechnology, and applying Design of Experiments (DoE) to optimise the formulation. This hands-on experience sparked a strong interest in formulation development and characterisation techniques. As a part of my MSc, I undertook industrial placement at H&T Presspart’s Inhalation Product Technology Centre, Blackburn which led to a permanent role as an R&D Scientist three years. My work at Presspart focused on inhalation drug delivery testing of pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) formulations, focusing on the transition to low global warming potential (GWP) propellants in line with the Kigali Amendment, an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of inhalers while maintaining dose performance. I later got opportunity to work in dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation and device research, where I continue to explore innovative solutions for improving respiratory drug delivery.With respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer affecting millions worldwide, I am passionate about improving treatments to help people breathe easier and live healthier lives.

Project: VOC sensing and modelling for indoor air quality and smart ventilation

Supervisors: Prof. Prashant Kumar, Prof. Matt Johnson

Doruk is a PhD researcher at the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) at the University of Surrey. His research focuses on developing advanced sensing and modelling frameworks for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments to enable data-driven ventilation and smart air purification systems. Combining sensor-based measurement, experimental validation, and computational modelling, Doruk aims to improve understanding of pollutant dynamics and support the design of healthier indoor spaces. He is particularly passionate about integrating engineering innovation with real-world environmental impact.

Project: Bioaerosol monitors for building control systems

Supervisors: Prof. Chris Stopford, Dr Warren Stanley, Dr Jianghan Tian and Dr Dongyu Wang

Hi, you can call me Andi, and I come from the beautiful tropical island nation of Indonesia. I’ve been passionate about air quality research since my undergraduate studies in Environmental Engineering in Indonesia, which I continued to explore during my Master’s in Japan, focusing on the atmospheric environment, particularly particulate matter and its carbonaceous components.
Having worked on similar aspects of the ambient environment for several years, I’m now eager to broaden my perspective by exploring air quality at a different scale. Studying in different countries has shaped my analytical skills and broaden my perspective, continuously motivating me to grow as a researcher.

I am currently pursuing my PhD at the University of Hertfordshire, where my research is about “Bioaerosol monitors for building control systems” that focuses on monitoring bioaerosols, particularly mould spores, which can pose serious health risks such as allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory infections. In buildings with inadequate ventilation or high humidity, these bioaerosols can proliferate, increasing exposure risks. By working with the Particle Instrumentation and Diagnostics (PID) Group at UH, I aim to develop and refine sensor technologies for monitoring bioaerosols, contributing to improved indoor air quality and healthier building environment. I’m truly excited to continue this journey and contribute on both health and the environment.

Project: Aerosol Mediated Biofortification using Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots

Supervisors: Dr Cristina Barrero Sicilia, Dr Laura Urbano, Dr Etelka Chung

Varshini completed her MSc in Climate Change from the University of Leeds, and went on to work in the energy industry on emissions tracking, renewable energy integration, and quantifying energy fluxes in agricultural models. She is particularly interested in exploring the intersection of climate science and energy systems, and how this can facilitate the decarbonisation of traditional processes into environmentally responsible systems. Her project will investigate an aerosolised nutrient delivery system using nanoparticles in the form of nitrogen-doped Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs). Her research will seek to understand how nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), uptake and allocation can be optimised through controlled aerosolisation for plant exposure.

Project: Harmful pyrolytic by products from smoking and vaping drugs of abuse

Supervisors: Prof. Matthew Jones, Prof. David Tosh, Dr Tim Woodman, Prof. Steve Husbands

Prior to joining the CDT, Alana completed a BSc and MRes in biomedical science, with research projects focusing on the health impacts of titanium dioxide nanoparticle exposure. This lead them to develop a keen interest in other types of aerosols, how to characterise them, and their potential impacts on human health.

Project: Chemical Analysis of Picolitre Sample Volumes by Single Droplet Mass Spectrometry

Supervisors: Dr Jim Walker, Dr Bryan Bzdek

Archie graduated with a MSci in chemistry from the University of Bristol in 2025. His final year research project involved using a novel single droplet mass spectrometry (SD-MS) technique to investigate factors influencing the charge state distribution of protein ions generated by droplet assisted ionisation. For his PhD research, Archie will continue developing SD-MS across a wider array of applications, with interest in accelerated reactivity in droplets and low-volume reaction monitoring. Outside of his studies, Archie enjoys running, lifting, cooking, and playing guitar.

Project: Characterisation and mitigation of particle emissions from 3D printing 

Supervisors: Dr Jose Herreros, Dr Soheil Zeraati Rezaei, Prof. Athanasios Tsolakis

This project essentially aims at characterising aerosol emissions created during the 3D printing process and finding methods to mitigate this for commercial and home use. Many 3D printers are used at home by the public, so finding mitigation processes that are translated easily for home use is a key priority for the project.

During my integrated master’s in chemistry at the University of Leicester I grew further apart from the chemicals and reactions of the labs. Instead, my curiosity for spectrometry and analysis of molecules influenced my masters project on the “Computational Helium Tagging of Small Molecular Cations”. This has categorically influenced my decision in partaking in this CDT, with the interdisciplinary team based learning an exciting prospect for me.