Dr Brenden Theaker

Analytical Chemistry, especially Food-, Forensic- and Pharmaceutical analysis

Dr. Brenden Theaker has over 25 years’ experience in analytical chemistry, predominantly as a chromatographer and food chemist. He has worked in both industry and academia and his research has led to many publications and patents. He has experience of teaching a wide range of analytical chemistry techniques to audiences from Foundation Year to PG(T) levels. He has also worked in cross-disciplinary research projects and industrial partnerships.

He studied B. Sc. Chemistry with German at Kingston University, followed by M.Sc. Instrumental and Analytical Chemistry at Loughborough University. He then completed his Ph.D. in Analytical Food Chemistry at the University of Teesside.

Dr. Theaker took up a postdoctoral position at Sunderland University (School of Pharmacy and Physical Sciences), working with Prof. Fred Rowell, researching enzyme analysis (in collaboration with Unilever) and novel forensic applications of doped silica-based nanoparticles. This resulted in numerous patents and publications.

After conclusion of these projects, he spent 2 years working in industry, firstly with D1 Oils Ltd (Analysis and detoxification of biofuel by-products) and eminate Ltd (Nanotechnology specialists).

Dr. Theaker returned to academia in 2008 as a Teaching Fellow in the Centre for Analytical Science based in the Chemistry Dept. at Loughborough University, gaining further experience in teaching a wide range of analytical science techniques (GC, HPLC, MS, FAAS, FES, IR, UV, FL and Radiochemistry). In 2010, he was awarded Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Whilst at Loughborough University, he taught at various academic levels (FY to PG(T)) as well as being the independent examiner for annual Ph. D. progression reviews. In 2014, he co-hosted the 2014 Final RSC Top of the Bench competition and other outreach activities.

In 2014, he was appointed Lecturer Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry within the School of Forensic and Applied Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, (UCLan), where he contributed to the fields of teaching and research, from Foundation Year to M. Sc./M. Chem. He was a member of supervisory team of 1 Analytical Chemistry/Forensic Science Ph.D. and a member of the UCLan/Lancashire Constabulary collaborative partnership. Whilst at UCLan, he was the Internal Examiner for 2 Ph.D. viva voce exams.

In 2016, Dr. Theaker joined the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) at the University of Nottingham, Ningbo China (UNNC), as Science & Engineering Tutor, teaching the science modules on the Year 1 Sci. & Eng. program. He was promoted to CELE Senior Tutor (2018), leading the Science & Engineering team. As CELE ST (Sci. & Eng.), he represented CELE on the Campus Health & Safety Committee, the Campus Space Management Committee and the FoSE Faculty Teaching Committee.

In 2025, the CELE Sci. & Eng. team was transferred to the Faculty of Science and Engineering, to form the Dept. of Science and Engineering Education (DSEE). Within DSEE, Dr. Theaker was appointed the ST (Pastoral Care), Chair of the Learning Community Forum (LCF), Chair of the Extenuating Circumstances (EC) Panel and the FoSE faculty Disability Liaison Officer

During his time with CELE, Dr. Brenden Theaker was nominated for the Lord Dearing Awards in 2019 (Individual) and 2024 (Team Award).