Microplastics in the marine environment: Detection using a novel, hyperspectral infrared camera on a UAV
In order to remotely sense and quantify microplastic pollution in the marine environment, my goal is to develop a hyperspectral camera that is sensitive to the plastics’ spectral profile within the mid-wave infrared band, in collaboration with the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and British Antarctic Survey.
The novel, compact imaging technology will be tested in applications of increasing challenge/reward. Beginning with surveys of macro beach debris using a handheld apparatus, the chief research aim is to conduct aerial microplastic surveys by piloting a UAV over the ocean’s surface within Scotland, and in the extreme conditions of Antarctica.
Supervisors
Dr Philip Anderson, SAMS
Dr Bhavani Narayanaswamy, SAMS
Dr Claire Waluda, British Antarctic Survey
Dr Hugh Mortimer, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Funder
NERC funded NEXUSS studentship
University
University of the Highlands and Islands
Project duration
October 2017 - June 2021
Peer-reviewed publications
van Lanen, D., Cocking, J., Walker, S.B., Fowler, M., Fraser, R., Young, S.B., Ahmadi, L., Thai, A., Yeung, J. and Yip, A. (2015) Economic and environmental analysis of a green energy hub with energy storage under fixed and variable pricing structures. Int. J. Process Systems Engineering, Vol. 3, Nos. 1/2/3, pp.158–180
Fieldwork experience
The Rozalia Project, STEM for the Ocean Expedition 2016 – Gulf of Maine, 14 days
Volunteer scientist: marine debris remediation and research, student education
Teaching experience
Feb-March 2018, Teaching Assistant BSc Marine Science
H1 Mathematics and Statistics, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, UK
Instructor: Dr. Thomas Adams
Sept - Dec 2010, Teaching Assistant
Chemical Engineering Concepts 1 (CHE 100), University of Waterloo, ON, Canada
Instructor: Dr. Christine Moresoli
Sept - Dec 2010, Teaching Assistant
Chemistry for Engineers (CHE 102), University of Waterloo, ON, Canada
Instructor: Dr. Joao. Soares
Jan - Apr 2010, Teaching Assistant
Grade 12 Chemistry, University (SCH 4U1), Port Perry High School, ON, Canada
Instructor: Rebecca Brownson
Professional memberships
Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS): since 2018
Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES): since 2018
Professional training courses
STCW 95 Basic Sea Survival. Fish Industry Training Association, Oban, UK. March 2018
NEXUSS Focused Module: Sensors and Platforms. University of Southampton and National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK. Dec 2017
SSI Open Water Diver SCUBA. Certification, East Coast Divers, Brookline, MA, USA. July 2017
SaChE Inherently Safer Design, Safety and Chemical Engineering Education Program. University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. March 2011
Employment history
Jul - Sep 2017 Product Development Engineer II. Ambri Inc. Cambridge, MA. USA
Jan 2015 - Jul 2017 Supply Chain Engineer, New Product Development. Ambri Inc. Cambridge, MA. USA
Aug - Oct 2014 Development Engineer (contract). Eos Energy Storage. Edison, NJ. USA
May - Aug 2013 Material Characterization Engineering Intern. Ambri Inc. Cambridge, MA. USA
Sep - Dec 2012 Cell Testing Engineering Intern. Ambri Inc. Cambridge, MA. USA
Jan-Apr 2012 Metallurgical Lab Research Assistant. Kingston Process Metallurgy. Kingston, ON. Canada
May-Aug 2011 Pulse Radiolysis and Lab Assistant. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. Chalk River, ON. Canada
Qualifications
2014 BASc Honours Chemical Engineering. University of Waterloo