Dr Andrew Houston
- Research Associate (Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre)
Biography
Andrew is an analytical chemist, currently working in the University of Glasgow as a Research Associate, and is based in the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre. His project focuses of the development of novel methods for the measurement of clumped methane isotopologues in ambient air, using high resolution IRMS.
Andrew earned a 1st class BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Strathclyde in 2017, and then went on to complete a PhD in Forensic Chemistry at the University of Dundee in 2021. He also successfully undertook a PgCert in Researcher Development alongside his PhD studies whilst at the University of Dundee.
He took a year out to work in a chemistry consultancy firm in 2016. During this year he worked with external clients on a wide variety of multidisciplinary projects, using a plethora of chemistry techniques. These techniques included: NMR, GC, ICP-MS, LC-MS, HPLC and many more.
His research background is in the application of chemistry techniques in multidisciplinary areas.
During his undergraduate degree he worked under the ESA to examine the use of LIBS to measure nitrogen levels on Mars, an interdisciplinary project with mechanical engineering.
His PhD studies then explored the impact of extreme heat on the physical and chemical properties of fleshed and defleshed porcine ribs, using FTIR, micro-CT and other techniques. The project included crossover with forensics, anatomy, and forensic anthropology.
Research interests
- Analytical Chemistry
- Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
- Methane
- Geochemistry
Professional activities & recognition
Professional & learned societies
- 2023 - Present: Member, European Geosciences Union
- 2023 - Present: Member, American Geophysical Union
- 2012 - 2023: Member, Royal Society of Chemistry
Additional information
- First Aider
- Mental Health First Aider
- Fire Marshall
- Fire Alarm Tester
- STEM Ambassador