Staff profile

BSc. (Hons) The University of Leicester PhD The Open University, 1993 1994-95: NERC Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Durham University and NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory (NIGL). 1995-96: NERC Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Durham University. 1996-97: NERC (ODP) Postdoctoral Research Scientist, NIGL. 1997-98: NERC funded Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Durham University. 1998-00: PIMMS & Tracer Facility Manager, NIGL. 2000-01: Scientific officer, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol. 2001-Present: Senior Research Officer/Laboratory Manager of Earth Sciences University of Durham

Career Research Highlights

Nowell is a specialist in multi-collector plasma ionisation and thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. Much of his career has specialised in Lu-Hf isotope measurements applied to mantle samples, combining this approach with Re-Os geochemistry to provide powerful constraints on the origins of potassic magmas and pyroxenite lithologies in the mantle. Recently he has been developing methods for ultra-low (pg and below) Pt analyses in DNA extracted from anti-cancer drug therapy patients (with the Northern Institute for Cancer Research) and laser ablation sulphur isotope ratio measurements in DGT gels (with Lancaster Environmental Sciences School).

Research Interests

● Development and application of the Lu-Hf isotope system. ● Development of laser ablation and solution based analytical methodolgies using Multi Collector ICP Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) ● Methodologies for accurate and precise correction of atomic and polyatomic interferences during MC-ICP-MS isotope ratio measurements. ● Geochemistry of kimberlites and lamproites. ● Isotopic evolution of the mantle & crust

Teaching areas

Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry (Level 2: Chemical Tracing)