Richard Greenaway is a Principal Lecturer and researcher in the School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. He is also an academic in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science. He specialises in applied laser scattering techniques for the detection and characterisation of airborne microparticles. Research areas in which Dr Greenaway has been involved include the development of the Small Ice Detector family of instruments designed for the study of cloud micro-particles, singled-particle Raman spectroscopy, dual-parameter light-scattering/fluorescence spectrometers for analysis of bio-aerosols, real-time detection of asbestos fibres in the atmosphere and real-time detection of respirable crystalline silica

What are you working on as part of the Hub?

My current involvement is in the area of real-time airborne fibre characterisation. We have developed technologies and analytical techniques over the years which allow us to detect generic fibres in the air with relative ease. This is of real interest in various fields since fibres can pose a significant health risk if inspired. However, the degree to which such fibres pose a risk is dependent on (amongst other things) their morphology – size and aspect ratio. Whereas fibre detection is reasonably straightforward, characterising the fibre is not. We are currently working on solving this problem by analysing the scattering patterns generated by such fibres.

What is exciting you the most about your current research? 

If successful, the fibre characterisation work could open up many possibilities for future instruments, which could provide rapid warning systems for people in hazardous environments. 

What difference do you hope your research will make?

I think that there is potential for this work to make a significant contribution to the understanding of respirable hazards and lead to viable, low-cost environmental monitoring tools.

What are you most proud of in your research career?

I am proud to be part of a leading, multi-disciplinary team that is making contributions to disparate and important areas of research, which in turn is making a positive contribution to the welfare of mankind.