Dr Thomas Bassindale BSc, PhD, FHEA

I was appointed to Sheffield Hallam University having spent some time working in New Zealand and London as a forensic toxicologist. I completed my PhD at the UK's World Anti Doping Agency accredited laboratory at King's College London, where I also gained an MSc in Forensic Science. I completed my undergraduate degree in chemistry with European Studies at the University of Sussex. I teach analytical chemistry and forensic applications of this at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

I have published a number of peer reviewed articles in the area of forensic science and doping control, also co-writing two book chapters: "Encouraging Innovation" in "Forensic Science and Beyond: Authenticity, Provenance and Innovation" (the Second Annual Report of the Government Chief Scientific Advisor 2015) and "Illicit Drugs and Toxicology" in "Expert Evidence" by Ian Freckleton and Hugh Selby, published in 2010 by Thomson Reuters.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

I teach Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science. I am also Course Leader for MSc. Analytical Chemistry and MSc. Pharmaceutical Analysis.

Research interests

Sports drug testing

Using mass spectrometry to investigate metabolism and excretion of doping compounds. New compounds used to help aid performance (legally or illicitly) are emerging all of the time. These substances have often not been fully tested or evaluated either for their safety or how they are processed by the body. Studies can help to determine the pharmacokinetics of these drugs and provide the athletes with knowledge of their profiles.

A large and continuing problem is that of failed drugs tests due to either mislabelled or contaminated supplements. Supplements can be analysed using novel methods to determine the presence of contaminants or compounds which may lead to a failed doping control test.

Forensic toxicology and hair testing

Developing new methods for the detection of drugs and poisons in biological specimens. Alternative matrices such as hair samples are being used more routinely for drugs analysis over blood samples and these are of great interest due to their non-invasive nature. Hair can provide additional information also, such as the drug use history of an individual stretching back for months.

Forensic cases from children in houses being used as methamphetamine laboratories through to potential drink spiking 'date rape' or pre-work place drug screening scenarios use hair testing for court evidential purposes.

Emma Beasley - Imaging mass spectrometry and two dimensional chromatography of hair samples to detect drug use