Catherine Duke

Catherine Duke is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Forensic Science at the University of Wolverhampton’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, within the School of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science. She specializes in analytical chemistry, quality assurance, and forensic science education. Her career began with a BSc (hons) Chemistry and D.Phil. from the University of York (1983), followed by postdoctoral research in Canada using FTIR and NMR techniques. She has held industry roles at Contract Chemicals Ltd and transitioned into academia in 1992. Her research focuses on FTIR analysis of pharmaceuticals, counterfeit drug identification, and environmental analysis of polluted water/soil.

Dr. Duke has co-authored textbooks like Chemistry for Environmental and Earth Sciences (2007) and contributed to BTEC distance learning materials (2013). She teaches across Forensic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, and Chemistry programs, emphasizing analytical methods and quality control. Her academic journey includes a part-time OU degree in Geosciences, reflecting her interdisciplinary interests.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but her work bridges academic and industrial applications of analytical chemistry. She advises on curriculum development and has managed projects linking academia-industry collaborations, such as the BS5750 accreditation initiative at Contract Chemicals Ltd. She contributes to the National Brownfield Institute and University of Wolverhampton Science Park through her environmental research.