Analytical research forum 2024 (ARF24)

Dr Victoria Hilborne is an Associate Professor at University College London (UCL) Department of Chemistry, with interest in analytical, environmental chemistry and education for sustainable development. Since joining UCL Chemistry in 2016, Vicky has substantially modernised physical and analytical chemistry data processing and laboratory courses and introduced new approaches to assessment and feedback in level 7 Topics in Modern Chemistry. Before joining UCL she was a lecturer and senior technician in Analytical Chemistry for forensic, biosciences and chemical engineering at London South Bank University (LSBU). During her time at LSBU she gained her PhD in measurement of contaminant dispersion in ventilated indoor air and predictive model development. Followed by post doctoral work on gas kinetics of 'red oil' nuclear fuel reprocessing simulant with the Fire and Explosion Research Group, and gained a PGCHE. Prior to joining LSBU she worked as a Food Health and Safety Scientist for Camden BRI (formerly Brewing Research International) and for NERC Institute of Terrestrial Ecology tracing rural atmospheric ozone. She has a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Chemistry from Edinburgh University. Before studying for her first degree, Vicky worked in product development and quality control for Procter and Gamble and Valentine paints. She is an elected as a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Science Community Council, and works with the RSC on Sustainable Laboratory and Indoor Air Quality monitoring initiatives. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Ms Claire White is an Analytical Chemist, Product Development Chemist and GLP Study Director at Selden Research Ltd, a company that manufactures cleaning chemicals for the professional sector. Claire developed her first analytical method at the age of 16 during a Nuffield Research Placement at Bristol Myers Squibb and then continued to work each summer in the QC department. In 2008, she graduated with a Clinical Science degree and began full time work as a lab technician in the QC department at Selden Research. After particularly enjoying participating in research and development, she was promoted to Development Chemist developing a wide array of formulations including washing up detergent, laundry detergent, floor cleaners and bathroom cleaners. During this time, Claire became a member of the RSC and gained Registered Scientist accreditation. In 2018, she began work on producing a GLP accredited analytical laboratory for Selden Research which was subsequently approved by the MHRA in 2022. Claire achieved the title of Chartered Chemist in 2023 in and is an elected member of the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Science Community Council. Claire is a keen STEM Ambassador and has mentored several students through the Nuffield Research Placement programme.