Profile

Dr Gautam obtained a PhD in Forensic Science in 2007 from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. Prior to taking up her current position at the University she was engaged in post doctoral research in the Environmental Sciences Research Centre under the Millennium European Climate project of Anglia Ruskin University. She also holds an M.Sc. and B.Sc. from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. She has worked in the Toxicology & Chemistry Unit and the Biology & Serology Unit at the National Forensic Science Laboratory, Nepal where she analysed forensic case samples. Dr Gautam's areas of expertise and interest lie in drug binding to hair components (melanin, keratin), drug analysis of biological samples (blood, urine) and alternative matrices (hair, nail, saliva). She is interested in research work involving chromatographic, spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques.

Teaching

Module leader:

• Chemical Principles One (L3)
• Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry (L4)
• Chemical Principles Two (L3)
• Chemical Criminalistics (L5)
• Independent Learning Module (L6)
• Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons (L6)
• Mastering Forensic Analysis (L7)
• Specialised Topics (L7)

Teaching responsibilities:

• Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry (L4)
• Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists (L4)
• Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Quality Management (L5)
• Project Preparation (L5)
• Chemical Criminalistics (L5)
• Independent Learning Module (L6)
• Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons (L6)
• Advanced Forensic Methodologies (L6)
• Undergraduate Major Project (L6)
• Mastering Forensic Analysis (L7)
• Specialised Topics (L7)
• Mastering Forensic Evidence (L7)
• Masters Research Project (L7)
• Specialised Topics (L7)

Research interests

• Detection of drugs in alternative matrices (hair, nails and feathers)
• Drugs synthesis and profiling (e.g. piperazines and cathinones)
• Drug facilitated sexual assault related research (GHB, ketamine, flunitrazepam, diazepam etc. in spiked beverages)
• Shoe polish and lip stick analysis
• Detection of drugs in wastewater
• Development of presumptive testing for drugs of abuse

PhD Supervision

• Director of Studies for Ellen Mwenesongole (Research Project: The Analysis of Surface Water, Waste Water and Sewage for Illicit Drugs).
• Supervisor for Garry White (Research Project: The Forensic Application of Adsorbents for Fire Investigation Work).

MSc Project Supervision

Supervised more than 8 MSc research projects (including 2 distance learning projects).

Publications

Gautam, L., Shanmuganathan, A., and Cole, M.D. Forensic analysis of cathinones. Forensic Science Reviews (Under review).

Gautam, L., Sharratt, S.D., and Cole, M.D (2012, reviewer's comments received) Drug facilitated sexual assault: Detection and stability of benzodiazepines in spiked drinks. Problems in Forensic Science.
Waterhouse, J., Cheng, S., Loader, N., Juchelka, D., and Gautam, L (2012, reviewer's comments received) Position-specific measurement of oxygen isotope ratios: isotopic exchange during heterotrophic cellulose synthesis. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta.

Richards, N., Hall, S., Harrison, N., Gautam, L., Dowling, G., and Scott, K. (Submitted on the 24/11/2011, Accepted) Potential application and future monitoring of unconventional samples in wildlife forensic and regulatory investigations. Invited review for Forensic Science Reviews.


White, G., Hall, G., Gautam, L., and Emmett, T. Finding an Effective Adsorbent to Sample Areas of a Fire Scene in order to Detect the Use of Common Ignitable Liquid Residue. Conference Proceedings, Faculty of Science and Technology, 1st Annual Conference on Research and Scholarship, 2011(Accepted)

Mwenesongole, E., Gautam, L., Hall, S., Emmett, T., (submitted 2011) Estimating community drug usage patterns by the analysis of waste water. SPARC 2011 proceedings. ISBN: 978-1-4717-0493-2.

Vaughan, B.R., Gautam, L., Cole, M.D. (2010) Cell Based Assays for In Vitro Drug Toxicity Screening. TIAFT Bulletin, 40 (2): 14-18.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S, Emmett, T.E, Cole, M.D. (2008) Characterisation of Natural and Synthetic Melanins. Global Forensic Science Today, 6: 29-43.

Gautam, L., Waterhouse, J., Switsur, R. (2008) Progress and Problems in Method Development for Position Specific Analysis of Oxygen Isotope Ratios in Cellulose. In: Young, G., McCaroll, D.(Eds), European Climate of the Last Millennium, Millennium Milestone Meeting 2. Millennium European Climate SUSTDEV-2004-3.1.4.1

Gautam, L. (2007) In Vitro Investigation of Amphetamine Binding to Natural and Synthetic Melanin, PhD Thesis, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D. (2005) Amphetamine Binding to Synthetic Melanin and Scatchard Analysis of Binding Data. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 29 (5): 339-344.

Gautam, L. (2004) Hair as Alternative Matrices for Drug Analysis. Indian Hair Newsletter, December, Issue No. 3.

Presentations at National/ International meetings

Akmoutsou, P. Pathak, R. and Gautam, L. , (2012) Forensic Entomotoxicology: Effect of Paracetamol in the Development of Calliphora vomitoria and its detection using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Forensic Science Society Inaugural Postgraduate Research Conference, Coventry, UK, November 2012.

White, G., Hall, G., Gautam, L., (2012) Improvements to sampling and instrumentation for fire debris analysis using Tenax TA® and ATD-GC-MS. EAFS conference, Netherlands, 2012.

Gautam, L., and Pankhurst, S., (2012) Use of blended learning approach to enhance workforce chemical knowledge. National HE STEM Programme Conference, 4-6th September 2012, University of Birmingham, UK.

Gautam, L and Pankhurst, S., (2012) Accredited, bite sized learning to upskill chemistry industry employees. HE STEM Virtual conference. Greenwich University, UK. Available at: vimeo.com/48072838

Akmoutsou, P. Pathak, R. and Gautam, L. , (2012) Detection of paracetamol in the blowfly Calliphora vomitoria and effects on its growth rate. IAMLE 2012 Conference, Jaipur, India.

White, G., Hall, S., and Gautam, L., (2012) Ignitable Liquid Identification Using Houehold Adsorbents. International Association of Fire Brigade Training Conference, Southwalk, London, UK.

Vaughan, B., Fekry, M., Gautam, L., and Cole, M., (2011) An Investigation into the Cellular Cytotoxicity of BZP and its Derivatives. Anglia Ruskin Research Conference, UK.

Mwenesongole, E., Gautam, L., Hall, S., and Emmett, T., (2011) Detection of Drugs of Abuse in Waste Water. Analytical Research Forum, University of Manchester, UK.

Kuleya, C., Gautam, L., Hall, S., Emmett, T., Vaughan, B.,(2011) The Synthesis, Analysis and Characterisation of Piperazine Based Drugs (as in accepted abstract). Analytical Research Forum, University of Manchester, UK.

Sharratt, S., Gautam, L., (2011) The Detection and Stability of Benzodiazepines in a Variety of Spiked Drinks under Different Storage Conditions. FORREST Conferences, UK.

Kaczorowska, A., Gautam, L., (2011) Polythetic Approach on the Examination of Red Lipstick Stains. FORREST Conferences, UK.

Kuleya, C., Cole, M.D, Hall, S., and Gautam, L., (2011) The Synthesis, Analysis and Characterisation of Piperazine Based Drugs. FORREST Conferences, UK.

Gautam, L., Gottardi, B., (2010) Endogenous GHB Level in Human Hair: Comparison of Different Washing Methods. FORREST Conferences, UK.

De Kat, D., Gautam, L., (2010) The Extraction and Identification of GHB in Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages Using GC-MS (Best Poster Prize received). FORREST Conferences, UK.

Mwenesongole, E., Gautam, L., Hall, S., and Emmett, T., (2011) Estimating Community Drug Usage Patterns by the Analysis of Waste Water. (PVC Award received). Salford Postgraduate Annual Research Conference, UK.

Gautam, L., Vaughan, B., and Cole, M., (2011) Investigation into the Stability and Storage Conditions for Benzylpiperazine (BZP) for Chemical Impurity Profiling. AAFS conference, Chicago.

Vaughan, B., Gautam, L., and Cole, M. (2011) An Investigation into the Cellular Cytotoxicity of Benzylpiperazine (BZP) and its Derivatives. AAFS conference, Chicago.

Gautam, L., Vaughan, B.R., Cole, M.D., (2010) Synthesis and Profiling of Piperazines Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Royal Society of Chemistry Forensic Analysis Conferences, UK.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D.,(2004) In-vitro Investigation of Amphetamine Binding to Synthetic melanin. Royal Society of Chemistry Forensic Analysis Conferences, UK.

Akmoutsou, P. Pathak, R. and Gautam, L. , (2012) Effect of Paracetamol in the Growth Rate of Calliphora vomitoria and its Detection using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Faculty of Science and Technology's Annual Research and Scholarship Conference, Anglia Ruskin University.

Gautam, L., Woods, F., Vaughan, B., Cole, M.D., (2011) Synthesis and Chemical Characterisation of Benylpiperazines. Faculty of Science and Technology's Annual Research and Scholarship Conference, Anglia Ruskin University.

Mwenesongole, E., Gautam, L., Hall, S., Emmett, T., (2011) Simultaneous Detection of Drugs of Abuse in Waste Water Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Faculty of Science and Technology's Annual Research and Scholarship Conference, Anglia Ruskin University.

White, G., Hall, S., Gautam, L., Emmett, T., (2011) Finding an Effective Adsorbent to Sample Areas of A Fire Scene in order to Detect the Use of Common Ignitable Liquid Residue. Faculty of Science and Technology's Annual Research and Scholarship Conference, Anglia Ruskin University.

Kuleya, C., Cole, M.D., Hall, S., Gautam, L., Vaughan, B., Emmett, T. (2011) The Synthesis, Analysis and Characterisation of Piperazine Based Drugs. Faculty of Science and Technology's Annual Research and Scholarship Conference, Anglia Ruskin University.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D., (2007) Comparison of Binding Properties of a Variety of Eumelanins to Amphetamine, Society of Hair Testing Conference, Cardiff, UK.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D., (2007) Chemical Characterisation of Natural and Synthetic Melanins. Society of Hair Testing Conferences Cardiff, UK.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D., (2006) Extraction of Hair Melanin and Binding with Amphetamine. Society of Hair Testing Conferences, Vadstena, Sweden.

Gautam, L., and Sharratt, S., (2011) Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Benzodiazepines in Spiked Drinks under Different Storage Conditions. The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists' Conference, San Francisco, US.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D.,(2005) In-Vitro Binding Study of d-Amphetamine to Different Types of Melanin. NISI -TIAFT joint meeting, Seoul, Korea.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D., (2004) Amphetamine Binding to Synthetic Melanin and Scatchard Analysis of Binding Data. FBI , SOFT and TIAFT joint meeting, Washington, US.

Gautam, L., Scott, K.S., Cole, M.D., (2003) Amphetamine Binding to Melanin in Human Hair. The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists' Conference, Melbourne, Australia.

Gautam, L., (2007) Application of Hair Analysis in Forensic Science. Invited Guest Lecture at the National Forensic Science Laboratory, Nepal.

Cole, M.D., Vaughan, B.R., Gautam, L.,(2009) Methampetamine Profiling and Drug Analysis. ISFE Conference, World Trade Centre, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.

Gautam, L., Waterhouse, J., Switsur, R., (2007) Towards Position Specific Oxygen Isotope Analysis, First Milestone Meeting of Millennium Project. Millennium European Climate Project Presentations, Mallorca, Spain

Gautam, L., Waterhouse, J., Switsur, R., (2008) Project Progress Report, Second Milestone Meeting of Millennium Project. Millennium European Climate Project Presentations, Mallorca, Spain

Successful Income Generations

Gautam L., and Hall, S., (2011) Accredited, bite sized learning to upskill chemical industry employees, funded by National HE STEM programme 2011.

Gautam, L., and Bennett, L., (2012) Investigation into the Detection and Recovery of Fragrances from Various Clothing. Summer Studentships, Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund, Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.

Gautam, L., (2011) Investigation into the Simultaneous Detection and Analysis of Benzodiazepines in Spiked Drinks. Summer Internships, Department of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University.

Hall, S., Gautam, L., and Harrison, N., (2011) Identifying Hazards to Wildlife: Quantifying NSAIDs. Research Assistant Bursary, Faculty of Science and Technology, Anglia Ruskin University.

Gautam, L., and Hall, S., (2011) Consultancy works for PCL Ceramics, King's Lynn. Ceramic Water Filter for performance Testing (metals, herbicide, insecticide and organochlorine compounds).


Gautam, L., Vaughan, B., (Prof. Cole, M.D., as research and scholarships mentor) as pump priming money for our joint research on "Profiling and Cytotoxicity Study of Piperazines". Research Enhancement Bid, Anglia Ruskin University, 2008/2009.


Award Winning Research Supervision


National Research Foundation (NRF) Free-standing Doctoral Scholarship for 2012 to Ellen Mwesongole, (PhD Student), Gautam L., (Director of studies).

Pro-Vice Chancellor (PVC) Research and Innovation Award in recognition of outstanding innovative research (2011): Awarded to Ellen Mwenesongole (Mwenesongole, E., Gautam, L., Hall, S., and Emmett, T.) for presentation entitled "Estimating Community Drug Usage Patterns by the Analysis of Waste Water". University of Salford, UK.

The Royal Society of Chemistry Prize for the best chemistry related UG thesis (2011): awarded to Sarah Sharratt for her thesis entitled "The detection and stability of benzodiazepines in a variety of spiked drinks under different storage conditions."

The Forensic Science Service Prize for the best UG thesis in forensic science (2010): Awarded to Dorothee DeKat for her thesis entitled "Extraction and analysis of GHB from spiked beverages using GC-MS".

The Royal Society of Chemistry Prize for the best chemistry related UG thesis (2010): Awarded to Richard Robinson for his thesis on the "Determination of Endogenous Level of GHB in Human Hair".

Best Poster Prize at FORREST Conference, 2010: De Kat, D., Gautam, L. The Extraction and Identification of GHB in Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages Using GC-MS.
Other news

Reuters "Around the World 12/16 Mom Ed"

BBC News Cambridgeshire "Cat Litter may help trap arsonists"

Eight out of 10 Scenes of Crime Officers prefer cat litter. Anglia Ruskin University, press release: Issue Number 785, 26th September 2011

Scientists are first to study toxic effects of BZP. Press release issued: 3 May 2011

Ecstasy substitute poses major health risks. 09 May 2011

Professional and other affiliations

Member - The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT)
Member - Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) (2003-2009)
Member - Society of Hair Testing (SoHT)
Member - Hair Research Society of India, Chennai, India
Member - National Forensic Society, Kathmandu, Nepal