Richard Paul is a bio-analytical chemist with a particular interest in the analysis of biomarkers of stress and alcohol/drug abuse. Richard is currently working in collaboration with the Prison Officers Association to explore the issue of drug abuse in prisons and the effect of second hand exposure to drug fumes on prison staff.
Richard also collaborates with the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Zurich, to explore the analysis of cortisol (a stress hormone) in head hair. The stress research aims to examine the potential of cortisol hair analysis as a diagnostic tool for chronic stress in older adults.
Richard is also working with industry and colleagues in BU’s Engineering team on the development of graphene-based sensors for drug and alcohol detection. The novel sensors have application in a variety of industries, including healthcare and the criminal justice system.
Richard has written articles for The Conversation, and has featured in local newspapers and The Times, as well as on Radio 4.
You can find Richard on Twitter: @RichardPaulUK