Department of Chemistry
Loren Temple
Biography
I'm a PhD student working in the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) at the University of York. I completed my integrated Masters at Durham University with a year in industry at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in Oxfordshire.
I chose an atmospheric chemistry PhD due to my excitement of making a positive impact on the environment and my enjoyment of physical and analytical chemistry. My current work involves measuring sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere and determining its effect on air pollution and climate. Alongside my studies, I enjoy music, dancing, swimming and travelling.
Qualifications
Masters in Chemistry (MChem) with a Year in Industry
Research interests
Atmospheric chemistry and air quality
Project title
Understanding the Impact of Trace Level Sulfur Dioxide on Air Pollution and Climate
Supervisors
Funding
Leeds York NERC Panorama Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Project outline
This project involves the development of a novel laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) instrument to investigate the chemistry of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and its role in atmospheric particle formation. Gas phase oxidation of SO2 is central to the production of inorganic particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere. Not only is this a major air quality challenge but aerosol-cloud interactions lead to a net climate cooling effect.
Over recent years, the developed world has seen significant reductions in SO2 emissions, however, SO2 is still thought to play an important role in PM production at very low concentrations. Therefore, through the sensitive detection technique of LIF, the aim is to quantify trace levels of SO2, providing insight into the magnitude of this cooling effect and improving our understanding of background SO2 chemistry.
Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory
General enquiries: wacl@york.ac.uk
Postal address: Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Innovation Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD