Richard Beaumont
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Grantham Scholar
- Profile
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Identifying the key factors of indoor air quality in UK classrooms: A data-driven study
The project
My research focuses on understanding the drivers of indoor air quality in UK schools, with a particular emphasis on fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) infiltration from outdoor to indoor environments. Using large-scale datasets from the Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education (SAMHE) project and DEFRA’s AURN network, I analyse spatial and temporal trends in pollution exposure across hundreds of schools.
By combining data-driven modelling, statistical analysis, and environmental monitoring, I aim to identify how building design, ventilation, and local pollution sources influence the air that children breathe during the school day. My research also examines the chemical composition of indoor/outdoor particulates through targeted case studies, employing advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and mass spectrometry at the University of Sheffield’s Royce and Sorby Centres.
The findings from this work will help improve understanding of air quality in educational settings and support the development of practical strategies to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants in schools.