معرفی
Gillian Taylor is an Associate Professor (Research) in the Department of Life Sciences at Teesside University, affiliated with the Centre for Biodiscovery. She leads modules on Analytical Techniques and Substances of Misuse. Previously, she studied at Newcastle University and conducted post-doctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. Her work spans peer-reviewed journals and book chapters in archaeological and forensic chemistry.
Education:
- PhD in Analytical Chemistry (details unspecified).
- Postgraduate studies at Newcastle University.
- Post-doctoral research at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.
Research Interests: Gillian focuses on developing analytical techniques for forensic and archaeological applications. Her expertise includes volatile organic compounds analysis (via SPME/GC-MS), preservation processes (chemical and microbiological), decomposition in aerobic/anaerobic environments, mass spectrometry method design, soil elemental analysis, and image analysis. She collaborates globally on projects like leather preservation at Vindolanda, soil mechanisms in decomposition, and marine species health monitoring through VOCs.
Scientific Projects:
- Preservation Processes - Vindolanda: Investigates chemical/microbiological influences on bone, leather, and textiles preservation.
- 3D Imaging at Vindolanda: Uses structured light scanning to document archaeological structures.
- Climate Change and Peatlands: Monitors carbon dynamics affecting Roman fort sites like Magna.
- Drug Identification: Partnerships for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry applications in law enforcement.
Scientific Awards:
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Advising & Grants: Gillian is actively mentoring PhD students and leads/co-leads multiple grants:
- KTP - CSX Carbon: Deep learning for peatland restoration (2023-2026).
- Biological Invasions in Argentina: Studies invasive species and fisheries impact (2020-present).
- GRASSROOTS: British Academy-funded project on Roman turf walls (2021-2022).
- KTP - Quorn Proteome: Process improvement for food bioprocessing (2020-2022).
Labs & Teams: Collaborates extensively with the Vindolanda Trust, local industries for GC-MS method development, and global partners in climate change and archaeology. Leads the Centre for Biodiscovery at Teesside University, integrating environmental and archaeological research.
