Thomas Wynn PhD

Thomas Wynn

PhD Researcher
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Contact details

Email
txw107@student.bham.ac.uk

Thomas finished his BSc in Environmental Science in 2024 at the University of Birmingham where his final year dissertation project investigated PM2.5 (Particulate Matter <2.5µm in diameter) concentrations onboard public transport in the West Midlands using low-cost sensors. 

During his undergrad, Thomas gained experience in conducting atmospheric ammonia research during an 8-week CENTA Research Experience Placement (REP) with UKCEH in which he was supervised by Dr Pablo Espina Martin and Dr Christine Braban both from UKCEH alongside Dr Siqi Hou from the University of Birmingham. This project researched urban atmospheric ammonia (NH3) in Birmingham to understand and quantify NH3’s spatial variation in an urban area. Thomas conducted his own sampling campaign measuring NH3 concentrations in Edgbaston (Birmingham) using passive ALPHA samplers (Adapted Low-cost Passive High Absorption). Thomas then presented the work from this sampling campaign in front of DEFRA at the quarter 3 UKEAP meeting (UK Eutrophying and Acidifying Pollutants). 

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Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, 2024

Doctoral research

PhD title
Reducing ammonia emissions is key to meet the UK’s new air quality target 
Supervisors
Professor Zongbo Shi and Dr Ying Chen

Research

This project will measure atmospheric ammonia (NH3) concentrations throughout the West Midlands at a high time resolution using a mobile air quality supersite (part of the UK Air Quality Supersite Triplet (UK-AQST)) equipped with a high time resolution NH3 monitor alongside other air quality instruments.

NH3 concentrations will also be measured in the West Midlands at 2 long-term fixed location air quality supersites using the same high time resolution instrument alongside a large array of other air quality instruments. Inversion modelling will be used to quantify the sources of NH3 in the West Midlands to update the emission inventories in WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry). Subsequently, air quality models will be used to assess how to best reduce ammonia emissions and consequently reduce PM2.5 (Particulate Matter < 2.5μm in diameter) concentrations.