Dr Risha Jasmine Nathan

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Senior Lecturer
Faculty:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
School:
Life Sciences
Location:
Cambridge
Areas of Expertise:
Forensic science and crime
Research Supervision:
Yes

Risha is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry with over a decade of academic and industry experience. With a PhD in Toxicology from New Zealand, her present research focuses on forensic drug analysis and fingermark development. She is a UGC-NET-JRF awardee (India), FHEA-Fellow (UK), and a 2022 50Next-Science-Innovator (Spain).

[email protected]

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Background

Risha specialises in forensic chemistry and toxicology teaching, research, and industry experience. She holds a Gold Medal in MSc Forensic Science, has qualified the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship (UGC NET JRF) in India, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK. Her industry background includes roles at the National Dope Testing Laboratory, Delhi and the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Delhi, India. Risha has received multiple awards in New Zealand and was named a 2022 50Next Science Innovator by the Basque Culinary Centre in Spain.

Spoken Languages
  • English
  • Hindi
Research interests

Risha’s career is rooted in advancing forensic chemistry and toxicology through university teaching and research. Her PhD research at the University of Otago, New Zealand, focused on biosorption of heavy metals from drinking water using fruit and vegetable peel waste. Currently, her research interests include the analysis of drugs and poisons in biological matrices, and the development of latent fingermarks on crime scene surfaces.

Areas of Expertise

Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

Areas of research supervision

Risha has supervised BSc, MSc, and PhD research projects in Forensic Science, contributing to student development in higher education.

Teaching

Risha has taught across all academic levels in Forensic Science and Crime and Investigative Studies courses, contributing to curriculum delivery and student engagement.

Module leader

MSc (present)

  • Level 7 - Mastering Forensic Evidence
  • Level 7 - Specialised Topics in Forensic Science

BSc (previous)

  • Level 5 - Group Tutorial
  • Level 5 - Chemical Criminalistics

Module tutor

  • Level 6 - Specialised Topics in Investigative Science
  • Level 5 - Forensic Analytical Chemistry
  • Level 4 - Applied Sciences for Forensic Investigators
  • Level 4 - Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis
Qualifications
  • PhD (Toxicology), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • MSc (Forensic Science), LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, Delhi, India
  • BSc Hons (Chemistry), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Certifications

  • PGCert (HE) FHEA 2023, Post Graduate Certification in University Learning and Teaching with Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
  • UGC-NET-JRF 2012, University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship (in India), Delhi, India
Memberships, editorial boards

Membership

  • Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, UK
  • Royal Society of Chemistry, UK
  • The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, USA
  • International Association for Identification, USA
  • Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, UK
  • Global Academy of Forensic and Investigative Medicine and Science, India

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
  • Forensis Agora International Conference Series, Galgotias University, India

Journal Article Peer-Review

  • Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences
  • Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
  • Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry
  • Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences

Consultant Forensic Expert

  • Global Forensic Consultancy Services by GLAFIMS Academy
Research grants, consultancy, knowledge exchange

2017-2020 University of Otago, New Zealand

  • School of Biomedical Sciences Dean’s Bequest Fund
  • University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship
  • PhD Bursary Award

Travel Awards, New Zealand and USA

  • Society of Toxicology 59th Annual Meeting Graduate Student Travel Support Award, Anaheim, California, USA (2019)
  • Elizabeth Jean Trotter Postgraduate Research Travelling Scholarship in Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand (2018)
  • New Zealand Federation for Graduate Women (Otago) Travel Award, New Zealand (2018)
  • Division of Health Sciences Conference Travel Fund for PhD and DClinDent Students, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand (2018)
  • Geology Department Conference Travel Fund for PhD Students, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand (2018)
Selected recent publications

Nathan, R.J., Okeleye, B., Abdullahi, R. and Oyebode, W., 2025. Identification of ketamine and norketamine in dried bloodstains on crime-scene surfaces. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 15(1), pp.1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-024-00418-w

Nathan, R.J., Jain, A. K. and Rosengren, R. J. (2022) 'Biosorption of heavy metals from water: mechanism, critical evaluation and translatability of methodology', Environmental Technology Reviews, 11(1), pp. 91-117. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/21622515.2022.2078232

Nathan, R.J., Jain, A. K. and Rosengren, R. J. (2021) 'Non-equilibrium multi-ion biosorption isotherms and thermodynamics for the removal of heavy metals from drinking water, Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 14(3), pp. 246-255. dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.14221.34

Sharma, D.K., Nathan, R.J., Kumar, R., Jain, A.K., 2021. Heavy Metal Toxicity: Impact on Human Health: A Review. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 14(3), pp. 270-278.

Nathan, R.J., Martin, C.E., Barr, D. and Rosengren, R.J., 2021. Simultaneous removal of heavy metals from drinking water by banana, orange and potato peel beads: a study of biosorption kinetics. Applied Water Science, 11(7), pp.1-15. doi.org/10.1007/s13201-021-01457-7

Nathan, R.J., Barr, D. and Rosengren, R.J., 2020. Six fruit and vegetable peel beads for the simultaneous removal of heavy metals by biosorption. Environmental Technology, 43(13), pp.1935-1952. doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2020.1858183

Singh, R.J., Martin, C.E., Barr, D. and Rosengren, R.J., 2021. Cucumber peel bead biosorbent for multi-ion decontamination of drinking water collected from a mine region in New Zealand. Environmental Technology, 42(16), pp.2461-2477. doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2019.1703824

Singh, R.J., Martin, C.E., Barr, D. and Rosengren, R.J., 2019. Immobilised apple peel bead biosorbent for the simultaneous removal of heavy metals from cocktail solution. Cogent Environmental Science, 5(1), p.1673116. doi.org/10.1080/23311843.2019.1673116

Sharma, P. and Singh, R.J.N., 2016. Effects of temperature & putrefaction on the analysis of carbofuran & carbaryl insecticides. Journal of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, 2(1), pp.11-14. https://doi.org/10.21088/jfct.2454.9363.2116.2

Imran, M., Sharma, P. and Singh, R.J.N., 2015. New color test and solvent systems for the identification of alprazolam drug in food and biological matrices by thin layer chromatography, Journal of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, 1(1), pp.35-41.

Nathan, R.J., Nair, M.V. and Sharma, P., 2015. Removal of lead from drinking water using banana peels, Journal of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, 1(1), pp.21-29.

Nathan, R.J., Sharma, P., Nathan, L.S. and Kumar, T.C., 2014. Assessment of drinking water collected from refugee camps in India for toxic lead and copper levels by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 8(1), pp.26. https://doi.org/10.5958/j.0973-9130.8.1.006

Nathan, R.J., Sharma, P., Nathan, L.S., 2014. Drug-dye complexometric method of extraction for vecuronium using different types of dyes. Journal of the Institution of Chemists (India), 86(4), pp.108-113.

Nathan, R.J., Sharma, P., Nathan, L.S., 2014. Ion-pair extraction of a quaternary ammonium drug vecuronium from rat liver and screening by thin layer chromatography, Journal of the Institution of Chemists (India), 86(4), pp.97-102.

Nathan, R.J., Sharma, P. and Nathan, L.S., 2014. Determination of the toxic lead and copper levels in cosmetic hair-dye powders by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Medico-Legal Update, 14(1), pp.35. https://doi.org/10.5958/j.0974-1283.14.1.008

Nathan, R.J., Sharma, P. and Nathan, L.S., 2013. Quantitative Analysis of the Aminosteroidal Muscle Relaxant Vecuronium in Rat Liver and Kidneys using Ion-pairing and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health, 13(3/4), pp.29.

Recent presentations and conferences

Oral presentations

  • Nathan, R.J., “Emerging contaminants in water bodies” at the International Seminar on Recent trends in Biological Techniques and Environmental Science organised by the Department of Zoology, Ewing Christian College, University of Allahabad, 2025, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • (Best Oral presentation- First position) Nathan, R.J., “Non-equilibrium multi-ion biosorption isotherms and thermodynamics for the removal of heavy metals from drinking water” at (Virtual) Forensis Agora: International Conference on Forensic Science and Criminology 2021, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • (Co-presented) Sharma, D.K., Nathan, R.J., Kumar, R. and Jain, A.K. “Heavy Metal Toxicity: Impact on Human Health - A review”, at (Virtual) Forensis Agora: International Conference on Forensic Science and Criminology 2021, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • (Co-presented) Saklani, P., Nathan, R.J., Kumar, R. and Jain, A.K. “The Extraction of Benzodiazepines from Biological Matrices: A Review”, International Conference on Advanced Materials for Next Generation Applications 2021, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. https://doi.org/10.33263/Proceedings35.071 (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • (Co-presented) Sharma, D.K., Nathan, R.J., Kumar, R. and Jain, A.K. “Metal exposure from utensils”, International Conference on Advanced Materials for Next Generation Applications 2021, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. https://doi.org/10.33263/Proceedings35.050 (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • (Co-presented) Yadav, D., Nathan, R.J., Jain, A.K. “Microextraction techniques for drugs of abuse in the forensic perspective”, International Conference on Advanced Materials for Next Generation Applications 2021, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. https://doi.org/10.33263/Proceedings35.049 (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • Nathan, R.J., “Fruit and Vegetable Peel –Alginate Beads for Removing Heavy Metals from Drinking Water” at XIII World Aqua Congress International Conference & Exhibition 2019, New Delhi, India. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • Nathan, R.J., “Apple peel bead biosorption of heavy metals from drinking water” at 2019 School of Biomedical Sciences Postgraduate Colloquium Programme, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • Nathan, R.J., “Fruit and vegetable peel-sodium alginate bead biosorption with respect to the uptake of arsenic and heavy metals: A study of multi-ion biosorption parameters” at WIOW 2018 Symposium, Canberra, Australia. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • Nathan, R.J., “Biosorption of heavy metals from drinking water using fruit and vegetable peels” at 2018 School of Biomedical Sciences Postgraduate Colloquium Programme, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • (Co-presented) Sharma, P., and Nathan, R.J. “Effects of temperature & putrefaction on the analysis of carbofuran & carbaryl insecticides”. IAMLE 2016- 7th International Conference on Legal Medicine, Medical Negligence & Litigation in Medical Practice, and 7th International Conference on Current Trends in Forensic Sciences, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, jointly organised by the Indian Association of Medico-Legal Experts, New Delhi and Institute of Education and Research, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 2016, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
  • Nathan, R.J., “Environmental Crime Forensics” at National Seminar on Advanced Biology: Emerging Trends in Biological Galaxy, organised by the Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad College 2012, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. (Peer-reviewed)

    • Poster presentations

    • Nathan, R.J., “Identification of Benzodiazepines in dried bloodstains on crime-scene surfaces” at Chartered Society of Forensic Science Autumn Conference 2023, Leeds, UK. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
    • (Co-presented) Saklani, P., and Nathan, R.J. “Analysis of tranquilizers: A review of sample preparation methods” at (Virtual) Forensis Agora: International Conference on Forensic Science and Criminology 2021, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
    • (Meeting cancelled due to global lockdown) Nathan, R.J., “Kiwifruit Peel Kiwifruit Peel Beads for Removing Heavy Metals from Drinking Water by Biosorption” at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology 2020, Anaheim, California, USA. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
    • Nathan, R.J., “Drinking water treatment using cucumber peel immobilised on sodium alginate: multi-ion biosorption of arsenic and heavy metals” at 2019 International Congress of Toxicology, co-sponsored by SOT, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
    • Nathan, R.J., “Immobilized fruit and vegetable peels as effective biosorbents for removal of arsenic and heavy metals simultaneously from cocktail solution” at SETAC North America 39th Annual Meeting 2018, Sacramento, California, USA. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)
    • (Best Poster presentation- second position) Nathan, R.J., “Assessment of Drinking Water Collected from Refugee Camps in India for Toxic lead Levels by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry & Decrease in Levels of Lead in Water by Use of Banana Peel” at ‘Workshop on Empowerment of Women using Environmentally Sustainable Technologies’, jointly organised by the Allahabad Chapter of the National Academy of Sciences India, The institute of Applied Sciences, and the Institute of Rural Health Research & Development 2013, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. (Peer-reviewed, published abstract)

    Guest lectures

    • “Sustainable methods and practices in Forensic Science” at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, 2025, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
    • “Application of GC-MS in anti-doping analysis” at Kristu Jayanti College, 2022, Bangaluru, Karnataka, India.
    • “Drink Spiking, DFSA, and Date rape drugs” at Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences, Amity University, 2022, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
    • “Food Forensics and Toxicology”, at SAGE Summer School Program, SAGE University, 2021, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Media experience

Media interviews

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