Department of Chemistry
Phin Petherick
Biography
I am a PhD student based in the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL). My current research focusses around the deployment of a custom-built laser-induced fluorescence instrument for the detection of nitrogen oxides in remote ocean environments.
I previously completed my MChem in Chemistry at the university of York, with my final year abroad conducting research with the laser spectroscopy group at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Since graduating, I also spent 18 months working as a technician in the Chemistry Teaching Labs, University of York.
Qualifications
MChem Chemistry (With a year abroad).
Memberships and Fellowships
Royal Society of Chemistry.
Research interests
Instrument development, laser spectroscopy and atmospheric chemistry.
Project title
Nitrogen oxides in remote tropical ocean environments and their impact on air pollution and climate.
Supervisors
- Dr Pete Edwards
- Professor Lucy Carpenter
- Dr Will Drysdale
Funding
NERC Panorama Doctoral Training Partnership.
Project outline
Nitrogen oxides (NOx ≡ NO+NO2) play a central role in the chemistry of the atmosphere, controlling both the production and loss of key air pollutants and climate gases such as methane, ozone, and particulate matter. NOx levels are typically very low in remote ocean environments, away from anthropogenic sources, but nevertheless can have large impacts on the atmosphere's response to changing emissions.
My project will focus on deploying a laser-induced-fluorescence instrument to take airbourne measurements of NOx in the remote north atlantic, with much higher sensitivity than previously possible. From the data collected, I will investigate the sources and chemistry of NOx in the remote North Atlantic and work to improve our understanding of this area of atmospheric chemistry.
