Contamination & Pollution Archives - Hawkins Forensic Investigation

Andrea Veronese

Lorraine — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:19:13 +0000

Originally from Italy, Andrea completed a MSci degree in Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge, undertaking short research projects on 3D-printed alloys and battery manufacturing during his studies.

In 2021, he began his doctoral research within the Energy Materials Group at the University of St Andrews, focussing on ceramic processing and waste pyrolysis. He gained experience in high-temperature solid-state chemistry, combustion, gasifier operation and the fabrication of glass-ceramic components. Andrea is a member of the Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining and completed the Corrosion Science and Engineering MOOC from the University of Manchester.

Andrea has taken part in a range of industrial visits, including a pilot battery manufacturing line, a chromatography column production facility, a technical ceramics manufacturing site, and various machining workshops.

Andrea joined Hawkins in October 2023 as Associate based in our Cambridge office.

LANGUAGES

Andrea is fluent in English and Italian and has limited working proficiency in German.

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Andrea Veronese

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:05:13 +0000

Andrea ha completato una Master of Science (equivalente della laurea magistrale) in Metallurgia e Scienze dei Materiali presso l’università di Cambridge. In questo periodo ha preso parte in un progetto al centro universitario di Rolls-Royce (UTC Cambridge) studiando le proprietà di leghe metalliche prodotte attraverso la stampa 3D per la riparazione di componenti dei motori jet danneggiati.

In seguito, Andrea ha completato un dottorato di ricerca nell’ambito dei materiali ceramici, in particolare nello sviluppo di ossidi porosi a base di cromo e la loro applicazione nella pirolisi e gassificazione di plastiche e rifiuti legnosi, oltre che nei rivestimenti in vetro-ceramica.

Durante gli studi ha acquisito competenze in varie tecniche di fabbricazione e cottura delle ceramiche a partire dalle polveri, la gestione dei cilindri e le condutture di gas ad alta e media pressione, l’analisi gas-cromatografica e varie tecniche di microscopia ad elettroni.

Andrea ha cominciato a lavorare come associato ad Hawkins nel 2025.

LINGUE

Andrea Veronese parla fluentemente anche inglese.

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Louisa Laing

Matthew Carrington — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:46:22 +0000

Louisa graduated with a Masters degree in Chemistry from Durham University, where she developed a strong foundation in analytical and materials science. During her studies, she completed a year in industry with Intrinsiq Materials Ltd, working on conductive nanomaterials for printed electronics. After graduating, she returned to Intrinsiq as a Research Scientist, focusing on the development and characterisation of nanocopper pastes.

In 2018, Louisa joined QinetiQ, where she specialised in electro-optical physics and advanced material systems for defence applications. As Team Leader of the Electro Optical Physics group, she led a team of scientists delivering research and development projects focused on coatings, textiles, and composite camouflage materials. Her work included designing and testing novel materials, using optical and infrared measurement techniques to evaluate performance. She also collaborated with military stakeholders and QinetiQ’s legal team, contributing to intellectual property development and presenting technical findings to the NATO Science and Technology Organisation.

Throughout her career, Louisa has developed strong expertise in technical investigation and data interpretation—skills that closely align with forensic methodologies. She has authored technical reports for government and industry clients, contributed to multiple patent applications, and provided training and mentorship within her team.

Louisa joined Hawkins in August 2025 as an Associate, bringing her extensive experience in material science and investigative techniques to forensic investigation.

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Mehul Jesani

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 20 May 2025 14:32:39 +0000

Mehul studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, graduating with First Class Honours. During his degree, he undertook various research projects that fostered his interest in organic chemistry and materials science. These included:

> An internship in Germany, characterising magnesium–rare earth alloys using synchrotron radiation.

> An analytical chemistry studentship at AkzoNobel in Slough, where he used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study polymers in paint.

> A six-month total synthesis project in Cambridge.

Following his undergraduate studies, Mehul joined AstraZeneca’s R&D Graduate Programme. Through rotating into different departments working towards discovering new therapies for cancer, ranging from synthetic and medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, he was able to gain a broad understanding of pharmaceutical research.

Mehul went on to pursue a PhD at the University of Bristol as part of the Technology Enhanced Chemical Synthesis Programme. His research focused on developing novel methods applicable to the preparation of pharmaceuticals and crop protection agents.

In 2023, he joined Domainex, a contract research organisation, as a synthetic and medicinal chemist. Leveraging his broad research background, he undertook a six-month secondment to their biology department, where he conducted a large fragment screening campaign for a high-value client.

Mehul is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Registered Scientist. He has authored publications covering both his academic and industrial research.

Mehul joined Hawkins in April 2025 and is an Associate based at our London Office

LANGUAGES

Mehul also has limited working proficiency in German.

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Benedict Barron

Kirsten Beckwith — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:27:14 +0000

Originally from London, Ben undertook a Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Bristol and was awarded first degree honours.

This was followed by the completion of a PhD in Chemistry hosted internationally between Imperial College, London, and the University of Hong Kong. This work focussed on asymmetric Michael type reactions and methodologies in organic chemistry.

On completion of his PhD, Ben joined a contract research organisation, Domainex, as a synthetic chemist and worked here for just under two years. After this, he moved to GSK and spent 4 years working as a process chemist. Here he worked on route optimisation and scale up activities for multiple pharmaceutical assets, supporting large scale (up to 70 kg) manufacturing campaigns.

Additionally, he took an interest in safety roles within the process chemistry department, gaining valuable insight into safety management, matrices and procedure in a pharmaceutical environment. This ranged from Gemba and Management Monitoring activities, conduction and review of genotoxic risk assessments and volunteering as a first responder to chemical incidences and emergencies.

Ben joined Hawkins in 2023 and is an A2 Certificate of Competence (A2CofC) certified drone pilot. He can assist clients with aerial surveys on cases relating to fires, explosions, and contamination failures. The use of drones in an investigation can be particularly beneficial in inspecting dangerous or hard-to-reach areas.

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Robert Edwards

Lorraine — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:01:50 +0000

After completing a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship, Robert joined Liverpool John Moores University as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Environmental Chemistry. Here he developed a successful research programme in environmental chemistry and environmental analysis, publishing numerous papers in scientific journals and books and presenting research work at many national and international conferences.

Robert has lectured extensively on analytical, environmental and corrosion chemistry. He was the course leader for the University’s MSc Analytical Chemistry course and was an assessor for the Higher Education Funding Council (Wales). Robert also gave annual lecture courses and workshops in Universities in Thailand, where he was a visiting lecturer.

Since joining Hawkins in 2001, Robert has specialised in post-fire, post-flood and post-chemical spill contamination investigations throughout the world. This work involves determining the effects of contaminants on buildings, production equipment, complex computer systems and products, including food stuffs, and providing advice on the long term effects of the contaminants and best remediation techniques for recovery.

During his time at Hawkins, Robert successfully completed the BOHS course for surveying buildings for asbestos and has since carried out asbestos contamination surveys following various incidents in the UK and Europe.

Robert has also conducted many forensic fire investigations in a variety of domestic and industrial situations. He is experienced in the legal process and has been involved in providing independent advice in the form of verbal and written evidence in both civil and criminal cases relating to fire investigation and contamination work.

Robert is currently a Principal Associate based in the Manchester office as well as Hawkins’ Operations Director.

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David Rose

Lorraine — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:34:03 +0000

David’s career started in the Technical Services and Development Laboratory at the BP facility in Hythe. He then moved on to study anti-oxidant behaviour in lubricating oils for his PhD at the School of Chemistry at Leeds University. After graduation he studied hydrocarbon combustion as a research fellow.

In 1993 David joined the Defence Research Agency (latterly known as DERA) working for the Fuels & Lubricants Centre in Farnborough, running the Fluids Handling and Flammability Hazards laboratories. His research varied from developing methods of preventing gearbox explosions, self-cleaning filtration systems, the compression ignition of hydraulic fluids to fuel reformation for fuel cells. He acted as a consultant to the Armed Forces concerning fire hazards associated with fuels and lubricants.

David became interested in forensic investigation while working as part of the DERA TWA 800 air accident investigation team, investigating the destruction of a Boeing 747 that was caused by the ignition of a fuel-air mixture in the centre wing tank.

Since joining Hawkins in 2001, David has carried out over 1,000 forensic investigations involving petrochemicals, confined space entry, fire and explosion incidents both in the United Kingdom and overseas. These cases have included small scale incidents to multi-million pound losses involving vehicles, houses, shops, warehouses, factories, petro-chemical plants and ships. David is experienced in the legal process and has given evidence in the capacity of an expert witness in Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, High Court (Queen’s Bench Division) Arbitration and Mediation in the UK; the Supreme Court and a Public Inquiry in Singapore, Guangzhou Maritime Court (People’s republic of China) and the Samut Prakan Provincial Court in Thailand.

David became a Senior Associate in 2006 and the Company’s health and safety manager, a role he held until 2009, when he then became the Regional Manager of the Cambridge Office. He became a Principal Associate in 2011 and in 2014 he became the Company’s International & Shipping Manager, a role he held until he opened the Company’s Singapore office in 2016, where he is the Regional Director.

LANGUAGES

David is fluent in English

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Sophie Parsons

Lorraine — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:20:05 +0000

Sophie is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (MIMMM). She received her BEng and PhD (Eng) from Queen Mary College, University of London in Materials Science & Engineering.

After a post-doctoral research post at Queen Mary’s, she joined LGC Forensics, UK, as a Forensic Chemist, specialising in the examination of textile fibres and polyurethane foam retrieved from crime scenes. During this time, Sophie analysed trace evidence, prepared detailed technical reports for court and presented evidence in court as a Court Reporting Officer.

Following her arrival in Hong Kong, Sophie worked as a Research Fellow at City University, Kowloon Tong, developing techniques for analysing trace material evidence in crime laboratories.

In 2012, Sophie joined Hawkins’ Hong Kong Office, and has since provided expertise in materials failure analysis, corrosion incidents, and contamination incidents in both the marine and land-based sectors. As a materials engineer, Sophie has conducted investigations involving the failure/corrosion of glass, ceramic, plastic and metal, and is particularly experienced at investigating lift and wire rope failures and criminal work involving trace evidence. For contamination incidents, Sophie can assist in determining the impact and extent of exposure to fresh water, salt water, foul water, and miscellaneous substances on working components. On the marine side, Sophie is highly competent at conducting investigations involving the failure of marine coating, the liquefaction of Group A cargoes and their associated laboratory testing, as well as incidents involving cargo and hull damage. In addition to her casework, Sophie regularly presents to law firms, P&I Clubs and loss adjusting companies on materials failure analysis, corrosion, and cargo/liquefaction matters. Sophie has provided testimony as an expert witness in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK.

Following relocation to the UK, Sophie spent several years as a Principal Associate in our London office before being appointed Head of Marine. Sophie has now returned back to Hong Kong as Regional Director.

LANGUAGES

Sophie is fluent in English

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Claire Mann

Lorraine — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:21:36 +0000

Claire carried out her first Masters Degree at Oxford University, where she remained to complete a DPhil at the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, working in collaboration with the Process Development Group of Syngenta. Claire then went on to pursue her interest in forensic science and studied for the Master of Forensic Science Degree at Kings College, London. During this time, Claire worked at the Forensic Explosives Laboratory and developed a GC/FTIR method for the analysis of explosives.

Since joining Hawkins in 2006, Claire has specialised in the investigation of causes of fires and explosions. These cases have varied greatly in scale from relatively small domestic incidents to large commercial fires. Claire has also lent her chemistry background to the contamination team at Hawkins, where she has carried out post-fire, post-flood and post-chemical spill contamination investigations throughout the world. This work involves determining the effects of contaminants on buildings, production equipment, complex computer systems and products, including food stuffs and pharmaceuticals, and providing advice on the long term effects of the contaminants and best remediation techniques for recovery.

During her time at Hawkins, Claire successfully completed the BOHS course for surveying buildings for asbestos and has since carried out asbestos contamination surveys following various incidents in the UK and Europe.

Claire is experienced in the legal process and has been involved in providing independent advice in the form of written evidence in civil cases relating to fire investigation and contamination work, as well as giving oral evidence in court.

Claire is currently a Principal Associate based in the London office.

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Eleanor Jay

Lorraine — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:09:02 +0000

Eleanor graduated with a 1st Class Masters Degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College London. As part of Eleanor’s first degree, she was employed at Industrial Research Limited in New Zealand (now Callaghan Innovation). Here, she developed specialised ceramic filters for the use in hydrogen cells, assisting in the purification of hydrogen.

Following this, her PhD work involved researching ceramic materials for nuclear fuel storage applications (requiring high temperature and pressure resistance). During this time, she worked closely with several nuclear establishments across the globe with whom she collaborated. Eleanor also spent time at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore, where she investigated ceramic systems for a variety of energy applications such as fuel cells, including lithium-ion batteries.

After completing her PhD, Eleanor was seconded to the Government Office for Science and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to be part of the Nuclear Energy Research and Development Review Board, chaired by the then Chief Scientist, Sir John Beddington. The work was commissioned after the House of Lords published a critical report on the future of nuclear energy in the UK. She assessed the UK’s nuclear energy landscape, which involved close communication with stakeholders across the nuclear industry (including academia, industry and government departments). Eleanor delivered a review of the UK’s nuclear research and development landscape as part of the Nuclear Research and Development (R&D) Advisory Board, which was published as a White Paper together with a roadmap and strategy.

Eleanor then took up a consultant position with Adelard LLP, who specialise in risk, security and safety analysis for a wide range of industries; defence, nuclear, rail and critical frameworks. Whilst at Adelard, she established a new specialist work area in hydraulic fracturing and spent time examining fractured engine blades from F35 combat aircraft.

Eleanor is the Head of the Materials Group at Hawkins and is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Scientist and Fellow of the IOM3 based in our Reigate office. She specialises in material failures (glass, polymers, metals, ceramics, refractory materials), metallurgy, escapes of water, oil and fuels, system failures, and personal injury.

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