Jake's Education

I started my science career in Forensic Science, studying at the University of the West of England. I started off in general forensic sceince before then specialisng in Forensic Chemistry. In my final year project I synthesised anti-Alzheimer's drugs. The research was testing whether the drugs could be synthesised by a Palladium-catalysed Newman-Kwart Rearrangement. I graduated from UWE in 2017 with a B. Sc (Hons.) in Forensic Chemistry.

Structure of the anti-Alzheimer drug

Patent shoemark

Latent fingermark enhanced with oblique lighting

I then went on to study at Bournemouth University for an MRes specialising in Forensic Toxicology, with Sociology. At Bournemouth, I used handheld Raman spectroscopy to analyse Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). The research then looked at the trends surrounding the use of NPS and how effectively the harm-reduction policies put in place worked. I passed my viva in April 2020, so have now earned my Masters by Research degree.

Handheld Raman Analyser used to analyse NPS samples

I started working at the University of Bath in 2019, as a technician for the Physics Department. In my role as technician, I support both teaching and research within the department which has use of chemicals. Alongside this I also ensure that chemical use is safe across the department. ©Jake Masters, 2023