B.Sc. Chemistry, University of Bristol (2002-2005); M.Sc. by Research in Chemistry, University of Bristol (2005-2006, Prof. A.J. Orr-Ewing); Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Bristol (2006-2010, Dr A.J. Hudson); Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Pennsylvania (2010-2013, Prof. M.I. Lester); Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania (2013-2015, Prof. M.I. Lester). Appointed Cardiff University Research Fellow 2015.

The Beames group is focused on tackling important atmospheric and physical chemistry problems using both UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopic techniques.

The last two hundred years have seen new anthropogenic emissions dramatically change the chemical composition and chemistry of the troposphere, creating an incredibly diverse set of atmospheric conditions based on location and level of human population. Much of what we know about the changing climate comes from carefully constructed atmospheric models. These models often comprise thousands of competing chemical reactions which can be used to predict global chemical concentrations. However, such models rely on accurate laboratory studies of the underlying reaction rates and outcomes. As such we must develop tools suitable for undertaking such experiments. The Beames group aims to develop spectrometers that will provide sensitive trace gas measurements for use in these types of laboratory experiments. In addition the group will focus on creating gas phase spectrometers capable of high chemical selectivity, such that the concentration of many different compounds can be monitored in real time. The selectivity provided by these spectrometers will also be employed in the detection of novel explosives (many of which are very volatile and susceptible to gas phase detection) and also in medical sensing.

The group will also investigate the chemical properties and composition of small particulate matter. Such particulate has a dramatic impact on human health, introducing chemicals into the respiratory tract and lungs. This can be detrimental in polluted environments, where the particulate can induce asthma attacks or deposit harmful chemicals into the body. In contrast, carefully constructed and controlled aerosolized particulate can be used as a drug delivery source, in many cases being used to alleviate the very problems (such as asthma) that particulates may have induced. While much is already known about these aerosols, there is still much research to be undertaken in trying to monitor the chemical composition of different aerosolized particulate without destroying or altering the particulate in the process. The Beames group also seeks to use spectrometric tools, in conjunction with novel techniques such as optical trapping, to investigate the formation of aerosol particulate matter on the sub-micron scale where there is little existing scientific data.