Polly Foster is a PhD student at the University of Leeds and a member of the third cohort in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science. During her undergraduate degree in Meteorology, she gained an appreciation of the role aerosol particles play in modulating climate. Currently, Polly specialises in testing new experimental techniques to apply to atmospheric ice nucleation research.  

What are you working on within the Hub?

My PhD project focuses on the application of the University of Hertfordshire’s Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) to collection of particles relevant to atmospheric ice nucleation. Use of the ESP is particularly valuable for collection and subsequent detection of aerosol existing at low concentrations in the atmosphere. My research has included deployment of the ESP on a vertically profiling unmanned aerial system (developed by Menapia Ltd) in a successful proof-of-concept field campaign. 

What is the impact of your research so far?

I have shown the ESP is a viable alternative to collection onto polycarbonate filters as an atmospheric aerosol sampling method. This work has been crucial to confirming the ESP can be used to sample particles relevant to ice nucleation. This research then led me to be part of the DustDrone team, a group of researchers from the UK, Iceland, and industry collaborators undertaking an exciting proof-of-principle campaign to integrate aerosol sampling equipment, including the ESP, with a vertically profiling weather drone. This measurement campaign has resulted in further collaborations between Icelandic and UK researchers, including potential for future deployment of drones.

What has been the highlight of your research career to date?

The highlights have to be the fieldwork experiences I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. I have taken multiple opportunities to fly on the UK’s Atmospheric Research Aircraft, FAAM, both in the UK and Canada as an aerosol sampling scientist. I also took on a large role in the DustDrone project, taking the lead in writing the proposal, coordinating the planning, and running the measurement campaign in Iceland. Having the experience of running my own measurement campaign has been an unparalleled accomplishment so far.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy anything to do with the outdoors and keeping active, spending my weekends hiking up mountains or wandering through forests. I’ll spend evenings practicing yoga or going to a spin class, I’ve even branched into aerial hoop. Otherwise, I enjoy discovering new music, trying out restaurants, and spending time nattering with friends.