Paton-Walsh, Clare C.

My first professional job started in 1990 as a Scientific Officer in the Radioactivity Group, at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in London. My work involved developing measurement techniques, quality assurance and uncertainty analysis in the area of radiation physics.

In 1994 I transferred to the Environmental Standards Group at NPL, because they needed researchers to investigate the processes that contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion. My research involved solar remote sensing of atmospheric trace gases and developing standards for air quality measurements in Europe, and for industrial process control.

In 2002, I emigrated to Australia to start work at the University of Wollongong. My research involved solar remote sensing of atmospheric trace gases, with a focus on tropospheric pollution and the measurement and modelling of emissions to the atmosphere from agriculture and biomass burning. I completed my PhD in 2009 and started a permanent position as a lecturer in physical chemistry. I am now an associate professor and my research interests continue to be in the changing composition of our atmosphere and the impacts on air quality and climate.