Dr Neil Lamont

Senior Lecturer

Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

I graduated from Staffordshire University with a BSc, and later a PhD in Environmental Science. During this time and after completing my PhD, I continued to work in pollution abatement and environmental monitoring; in areas now considered Environmental Forensics. This work has included both development of analytical techniques, and industrial processes. In particular when working with a leading chemicals manufacturer, this involved redesigning the manufacture of precious metal glazes, such that the emissions of the process were reduced, and introducing a scrubbing system which produced a saleable by-product.

On returning to Staffordshire University I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education. The research and consultancy experience I have gained has provided me with a wide range of hands on skills and real world applications, which I include in my teaching at the University.

Professional memberships and activities

  • Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Science
  • Commonwealth Scholarship Commission: Academic Advisor
  • External Examiner: Mentor Plymouth University
  • Member of the CSFS Vehicle Collision Investigation and Vehicle Examination, Certificate of Professional Competence working group

Academic qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (First Class), Staffordshire University, 1999
  • PhD Environmental Science, entitled “Evaluation of Chemical Indicators of Oil Pollution”, Staffordshire University, 2004
  • PGCert in Higher and Professional Education (Merit), Staffordshire University, 2007
  • Certificate in Continuous Professional Development: Research Supervision (Distinction), Staffordshire University, 2011

Expertise

My expertise in analytical chemistry was developed in the area of Environmental science, and the considerations of sample contamination and chemical interferences encountered in that field are essential to many aspects of Forensic Science. I have therefore applied this knowledge to what I teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level. In addition to this my experience of using a substantial range of analytical techniques has allowed me to supervise novel undergraduate and also postgraduate projects, which have contributed to the expansion of knowledge in Forensic Chemistry and Criminalistics.

During my time at the University I have developed a number of modules, including Vehicle Collision Investigation, has utilized my knowledge of collisions, which have resulted in pollution incidents and applying this to the investigation of Road Traffic Collisions. Others include Characterization and Analysis of Drugs and the module Analysis and Quality Assurance of Drugs both of which have been developed from my knowledge and experience of using a wide range of analytical techniques.

Research interests

Previously this has included analytical and industrial method development, mainly related to pollution abatement. More recently this has widened to include a range of Forensic applications of chemical analysis (including environmental forensics), including supervision of two PhD students, one of which utilizes my experience with environment analysis.

 

 

Enterprise and commercial interests

Having been involved with the Science Working for You project I have been involved in activities such as designing engaging chemistry experiments and lessons for local schools. Visiting schools, designing bespoke forensic and chemical activities, based on their equipment availability and curricula needs. This has also involved the training of Secondary School Teachers in Forensic and Chemistry based skills.

Further to this I have consulted companies regarding potential analytical and chemical approaches needed to answer specific questions and have advised on forensic casework.

Teaching

Undergraduate

  • Introduction to Forensic Science

  • Basic Chemical Concepts*

  • Chemical Principles for Forensic Science

  • Chemical Principles for Pharmaceutical Science

  • Science for Justice

  • Methods of Chemical Analysis

  • Research and Professional Skills

  • Vehicle Collision Investigation*

  • Investigative Skills

  • Investigating and Reporting Crime Scenes

  • Characterization and Analysis of Drugs*

  • Analysis and Quality Assurance of Drugs*

  • Bodies of Evidence

  • Forensic Archeology

  • Case file to Court

Postgraduate

  • Methods of Chemical Analysis

  • Methods of Crime Detection

  • Practical Support 2*

*Module Leader

I also deliver on short courses such as the short course in Wildlife Crime

Postgraduate supervision

Lamont, N. (2013) The screening of petroleum hydrocarbons based on the water associated fraction. Global Forensic Science today.

Lamont, N. and Lamont, C. (2014) Using a portable heat sealer for sealing Nylon 11 (polyamide 11) arson evidence bags. FORREST 2014.

Davidson, A. Platt, A and Lamont N (2014) Using Human Scent as Forensic Evidence: What Why and How. FORREST 2014. Scent as Forensic Evidence: What Why and How. FORREST 2014.

Sheppard, K. Davidson, A. Lamont, N. Goodwin, J. Blom, G. Cassella, J (2014) Adipocere formation: 100 years and counting: A useful archaeological and forensic indicator? FORREST 2014.

2012, Presented a paper at the FORREST conference Dundee, Scotland.

2012, A Trace Evidence Workshop organised by the Forensic Science Society, York.
Lamont N. (2013), The screening of petroleum hydrocarbons based on the water associated fraction. Global Forensic Science today.

2014, Forrest Conference poster presented at the FORREST conference Northumbria University, UK.
2014, Joint Conference papers, three presented at the FORREST conference Northumbria University, UK.

2015, Conference workshop, presented at the FORREST conference Glasgow, UK

2015 Attended Collision scene evidence workshop (CSFS)

Burgess, Kurstie-Lauren and LAMONT, Neil and GWINNETT, Claire (2016) Ignitable liquid recovery from hands. CSeye. pp. 22-27.

Lamont, N. (2016) Vehicle collision investigation. In: Staffordshire Police Conference, Stafford.

Lehan, S. Cassella, J. and Lamont, N and Gwinnett, C. (2017) Bacterial Succession of the Aquatic Necrobiome as an Indicator of Post Mortem Submersion Interval. In: ECS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM, 19 APRIL 2017 | 10:30 – 18:00, UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER, LONDON.

Burgess, K and Lamont, N. (2016) AN EVALUATION OF THE METHODS UTILIZED FOR THE RECOVERY OF IGNITABLE LIQUIDS FROM SUSPECTS’ HANDS.In: FIRN Midlands Regional Forensic Science Conference, Staffordshire University.

Lehan, S and Cassella, J and Lamont, N. and Gwinnett, C. (2017) In: FIRN Midlands Regional Forensic Science Conference, Staffordshire University
SceneSafe (2017) The scenes of crime handbook. WA Products, Burnham on Crouch. UK

Hunter, R. Squires, K. Robertshaw, A. Cassella, J. Wright, D. Lamont, N. Graham, F. Ottley, P. Partridge, J. and Pringle J. (2018) A multidisciplinary Investigation to Discern subsurface Features Evident in and around Hawthron Crater with resulting Implications to the regional Picture. NSGG archaeological geophysics.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021