Biography

After gaining her BSc degree in Forensic Science and Criminology from Keele University, Charlene continued her studies and gained an MSc degree in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology from Cranfield University. Since being awarded her PhD titled ‘Physicochemical Modifications to Bone Mineral’ from Cranfield University, Charlene has become an established researcher working collaboratively with internationally known individuals from both academia and industry. Charlene has gained experience across a range of archaeological, biomedical and forensic disciplines with good theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Charlene joined Keele in 2018 and is a Senior Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science, and is currently a Deputy Programme Director, acting in her role as Research Theme Lead. 

Research and scholarship

To date, Charlene’s research focus has been to investigate the fundamental chemistry of biogenic materials by employing a material science approach and her research has applications within archaeology, pharmaceutical, medical, and forensic sectors. However, Charlene’s main research interests focus on biomedical applications and currently focuses on understanding tissue microenvironment and disease for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, with projects investigating breast and prostate cancers and bone diseases including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. 

In 2020, Charlene was honoured to accept an invitation from the International Centre of Diffraction Data (ICDD), Philadelphia, USA, the world’s most prestigious non-for-profit diffraction data provider, to take up a Chair on their Board of Directors. As a Director-at-Large Charlene is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of ICDD’s affairs and is involved in developing and overseeing the implementation of ICDD’s strategic plan and the annual plan of actions.

Publications

School address

Lennard-Jones School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Lennard-Jones Building
Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG, UK
Phone (School Office): +44 (0)1782 733033, (Chemistry): +44 (0)1782 731693, (Forensic Science): +44 (0)1782 731694, (Physics): +44 (0)1782 733527
Email: scps@keele.ac.uk

Information for schools and colleges

Contact us about our workshops and lecture series

Programme directors

Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry
Dr Tess Phillips
Tel : +44 (0)1782 733038
Email : t.r.phillips@keele.ac.uk

Dr Chris Hawes
Tel : +44 (0)1782 732820
Email : c.s.hawes@keele.ac.uk

Forensic Science and Criminology
Dr Jamie K. Pringle
Tel : +44 (0)1782 733163
Email : j.k.pringle@keele.ac.uk

Victoria Cartwright
Tel: +44 (0)1782733584
Email: v.cartwright@keele.ac.uk

Physics and Astrophysics
Dr Barry Smalley and Dr Joana Oliveira
Email : b.smalley@keele.ac.ukj.oliveira@keele.ac.uk

Admission tutors

Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry
Dr Natalie Capel
Tel : +44 (0)1782 733584
Email : n.j.capel@keele.ac.uk

Forensic Science
Sue Shemilt
Email: s.shemilt@keele.ac.uk

Physics and Astrophysics
Dr Juliana Morbec
Email : physics@keele.ac.uk or j.morbec@keele.ac.uk