Marta O'Brien
Senior Technician in Analytical Chemistry
Responsibilities
I have been working as a Senior Teaching and Research Technician for the School of Archaeology, Environment and Geography at the Whiteknights Campus since December 2018. I am responsible for a variety of scientific instruments supporting students of all levels, as well as Academic colleagues. I provide laboratory inductions and relevant information necessary for a smooth delivery of tests and results, following Health and Safety Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures.
Qualifications and work experience
I have MSc in Environmental Protection from the Bialystok University of Technology (Poland).
I have many years of experience working as a Senior Analyst in commercial laboratories, testing environmental samples for various contaminants using scientific equipment, supervising and training staff, developing and validating methods, processing data and reporting directly to customers, following UKAS accredited methods and British Standard methodology.
I am a registered Chartered Scientist (CSci) with the Institution of Environmental Sciences (MIEnvSc.)
I am also a part time PhD candidate within the School of Environmental Science and Meteorology since October 2020, and my project is on the air pollution around schools in the Reading area, and the impact of various pollutants on children's health.
Areas of Interest
Since 2011 I am a volunteer for a local Police Force and have been supporting local communities and working alongside the Regular Officers in the Berkshire area.
I am also a qualified fitness instructor, delivering regular Body balance classes at the local gym and my qualifications are registered with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Awards/ honours:
2019: Thames Valley Police Long Service Medal for Faithful Service in the Special Constabulary.
2019: Chief Constable Commendation for supporting the force values and policing principles of leadership, integrity and objectivity, Chief Constable John Campbell, Thames Valley Police.
2021: Coronavirus 2020-2021 recognition medal for keeping the communities safe.
Research groups / Centres
SCENARIO: A Doctoral Training Partnership in the Science of the Environment https://research.reading.ac.uk/scenario/about-us/scenario-partners/
Environmental Science Research Division: https://www.reading.ac.uk/geographyandenvironmentalscience/research/ges-ESRD.aspx
Contact
+44 118 378 6557