Lata Gautam

Dr Lata Gautam is an Associate Professor at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, specializing in forensic and analytical chemistry. She holds a PhD in Forensic Science from ARU (2007) and advanced qualifications in teaching and toxicology. Her research focuses on drug analysis in forensic contexts (e.g., DFSA, wastewater drug tracking), herbal medicine safety, and promoting diversity in STEM. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Royal Society of Chemistry member.

Education:

• PhD in Forensic Science (Anglia Ruskin University, 2007)
• MSc Plant Science (Tribhuvan University, 1998)
• BSc Chemistry, Plant Science, Microbiology (Tri Chandra College, 1996)

Research Interests: Chromatographic/mass spectrometric drug analysis, DFSA investigation, wastewater-based epidemiology, and barriers to BAME student success in STEM. She collaborates globally on forensic science outreach and DFSA awareness campaigns.

Awards:

• UNESCO Felicitation (2018) for DFSA work
• Second Best Poster Prize (2016) for fingermark development research
• Royal Society of Chemistry Diversity Grant (2020)

Grants & Consultancy: Over £120,000 secured for DFSA research, wastewater analysis, and teaching innovation. Collaborations include Botswana International University of Science and Technology and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

Labs/Teams: Forensic & Investigative Sciences Research Group (ARU), active in international DFSA stakeholder engagement.