Dr Nichola Coleman
Nichola J. Coleman BSc PhD CChem MRSC
Lecturer in Materials Chemistry
Location: Nelson 201A
Email: n.coleman@gre.ac.uk
Tel:+44(0)208 331 9125
Fax: +44(0)208 331 9805
Profile
Nichola graduated with a BSc in applied chemistry and a PhD in inorganic cement chemistry from Aston University and has subsequently worked at the School of Pharmacy (University of London), Imperial College and the University of Sheffield.
Research
Nichola’s principal research interest is the preparation of silicate clays, zeolites, cements, glasses and mixed-metal frameworks, for use in construction, ion exchange, water purification and implantable biomedical materials. Her research has been supported by the Royal Society, EPSRC, Royal Society of Chemistry, Nuffield Foundation and SEEDA.
Expertise
Hydrothermal synthesis; sol-gel; hydraulic cements; antimicrobial/antibacterial bioactive materials; in vitro bioactivity; materials characterisation; textural analysis (nitrogen gas sorption, BET surface area, BJH pore size distribution, helium pycnometry); 29Si, 27Al and 31P solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR); infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); scanning electron microscopy (SEM); differential thermal analysis (DTA); thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); powder x-ray diffraction (XRD); sequential extraction and leach testing methods for trace metals in soils, marine sediments and waste materials; mineral recycling; ion-exchange and kinetic modelling.
Teaching & Outreach Activities
Nichola specialises in the transition from school/FE to HE in the natural sciences and mathematics. She works with school teachers, FE lecturers, Royal Society of Chemistry and local government science consultants to inform the School of Science’s undergraduate provision, outreach, widening participation and public engagement activities.
Nichola welcomes enquiries from potential collaborators, teachers, lecturers, councillors and educationalists regarding any aspect of her teaching, research or outreach activities.
Publications
List of Publications [pdf]Patent
Bellantone M., Coleman N.J., and Hench L.L., Formulation, bioactivity and antimicrobial properties of a tailored bioglass produced by the sol-gel process, Patent No. WO0076486 (2000).
Course Participation
| ENVI 1094 | Chemical and Life Sciences (Course Leader) |
| ENVI 0091 | Developing Practical Skills Sciences (Course Leader) |
| ENVI 1084 | Fundamentals of Science |
| ENVI 0092 | Topics in Contemporary Science |