Contact Dr Diane Johnson
Areas of expertise
- Structures and Materials
Background
Diane joined Â鶹´«Ã½AV staff in 2020, specialising in applications of Focused Ion Beam microscopy and Time of Flight Secondary Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. She has previously worked in a number of different roles and projects within academic research and analysis in the study of a broad range of materials by scanning electron and ion beam microscopy, mainly performing research and analysis of geological materials. She also studies Egyptology in her spare time which has led to her being awarded a PGCert and PGDip in Egyptology from Manchester University, reflecting Diane's strong belief in lifelong learning.
Background
Diane studied for a BSc(Hons) in Astrophysics, at the University of Central Lancashire, an MSc in Analytical Science at the University of Hull, with a research project of her own design in the application of ICPMS and SEM to perform comparative analysis of ordinary and carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Then she went on to complete a PhD in Surface Science at the University of Liverpool focused on understanding the growth and evolution of nickel oxides and hydroxides applying Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and single crystal synchrotron based X-ray diffraction.
Selected previous appointments and projects
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, ROCD project, University of Exeter, Camborne School of Mines (EU, RFCS funded)
A 10 partner project aimed at Reducing the risk of Occupational exposure to Coal Dust. My role was primarily in the development a new automated analysis protocol using SEM-EDS to characterise fine coal dust as PM10 and PM2.5 utilizing QEMSCAN automated mineralogy software. I also deputised to the project PI, so additionally involved project management, sample analysis planning and co-ordination with laboratories across Europe. Liaising with industrial mining partners to obtain samples and visits to deep coal mines in Slovenia and Poland for sampling and observation of mining techniques. Producing project outputs content and on a time scale in accordance with project contract detail.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Hayabusa mission grain analysis, Open University, School of Physical Sciences (STFC funded)
Project to analyse mineral grains recovered from asteroid Itokawa from the JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) Hayabusa Mission. A short project to develop methods of manipulation and sample mounting of small (less than 50 micron diameter) grains which were then subjected to analysis by multiple methods including SEM, Raman Spectroscopy and x-ray CT.
Principle Investigator and Researcher, Analysis of fossils from Qau el Kebir, Egypt, Open University, School of Physical Sciences (Egypt Exploration Society funded)
A short research project in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, London, to scientifically explore a collection of unique fossils found within archaeological context with a view to characterise them scientifically using SEM, x-ray CT, Raman Spectroscopy, pXRF, ICPMS, C14 dating.
Co-Investigator and Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Iron from the sky project, Open University, School of Physical Sciences (AHRC funded)
A scientific investigation of iron in ancient Egypt, analysing a range of examples of geological sources of iron such as Egyptian iron ores and meteorites and defining the form they were worked into to help derive an understanding of the cultural role of iron, methods used to work this iron and also having geological implications as indicated by mineral chemistry and microstructure. Techniques used include: Analytical SEM, x-ray CT, pXRF, ICPMS.
Post Doctoral Research Associate in Scanning Electron Microscopy, Open University, Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute (OU funded)
Full time position that established a newly created FIBSEM laboratory within the Planetary and Space Sciences group, 70% of the role involved instrument technical support 30% in developing and performing research in relation to the FIBSEM within the themes of the group.
Membership of professional societies and panels
2024 UKRI Interdisciplinary Assessment College member
2017 Advisory panel member, temporary meteorite exhibition, Natural History Museum, London.
2014 Senior member of the advisory board of the Arab Meteors and Space Sciences Association
2009 Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society (FRMS)
1999 Member of the Meteoritical Society
1999 Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS)
Public engagement, media activities and broadcast material
Selected public engagement lectures:
26th April 2019, Exploring the Massive fossil funerary collection of Qau el-Kebir, Friends of the Petrie Museum, Institute of Archaeology, UCL, invited lecture.
22nd July 2017, The massive fossil funerary collection of Qau el-Kebir - Seth's bones rediscovered, Egypt Exploration Society current British Archaeology in Egypt, London, UK, invited lecture.
13th Feb 2016, Iron and the bones of Seth, at 'Meeting the gods: interactions between mortals and the divine', The Manchester Museum, UK, invited lecture.
27th Sept 2014 2-5pm Space beads from ancient Egypt; making objects from meteorites, Royal Observatory Greenwich, UK, invited lecture.
1st Sept 2013 Essex Egyptology Group, Meteorites in ancient Egypt, an invited 90 minute lecture.
19th April 2013 The Royal Society, Iron from the sky: the potential influence of meteorites on ancient Egyptian culture, invited lecture.
14th Dec 2011 Society of Electron Microscope Technology, one day meeting, A FIBSEM subsurface glimpse of evolution, invited lecture.
Media activities:
I am regularly contacted by the media to discuss my research and comment on advances in this area of research for use in newspapers, online and printed articles.
Selected Broadcast material:
June 2016 BBC Radio 5 live interview about meteorite iron use in ancient Egypt.
June 2016 BBC Radio Wales live interview about Tutankhamun's iron meteorite dagger.
Aug 2015 BBC Radio 4 recorded interview contribution towards 'Natural Histories' radio series and book, BBC and Natural History Museum production.
June 2013 Canadian Broadcast Corporation, recorded 20 minute interview about prehistoric Egyptian use of meteorite iron.
Research opportunities
Diane welcomes discussion of collaborative research projects involving electron and ion beam analysis.