DrAlice Handy

Alice Handy is a Research Associate in Fluid Mechanics in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London. Her expertise lies in mathematical and statistical modelling of environmental systems, including eddy diffusion models, machine learning methods (such as PCA, Robust PCA, clustering etc.), and Bayesian approaches. She has applied analytical models to predict the dispersion of indoor pollutants, develop parameterised models for human exposure, and optimise the use of air cleaners. In collaboration with industrial partners, this work has informed the creation of air cleaner operation guidelines and practical tools now used to support customers. As part of the Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education (SAMHE) Initiative, Alice uses data-driven techniques to identify the factors influencing pollution concentrations and to uncover patterns in indoor air quality data collected from over 600 UK classrooms. She is currently contributing her expertise in air quality to the CHILI project, which investigates the relationships between air quality, the built environment, energy use, and health outcomes. The project will also examine how these interactions evolve during the transition to Net Zero.

Through her involvement in the collaborative Future Urban Ventilation Network (FUVN), Alice has worked with colleagues from across the UK to explore the benefits of taking a holistic approach to building ventilation which has highlighted the importance of considering indoor and outdoor environments as interconnected. She also co-leads the CHILI Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network, which provides a supportive platform for early career researchers to connect, share ideas and expertise, and develop skills that strengthen both their individual careers and their contributions to CHILI and beyond. Recognising the importance of sharing research beyond academia, Alice also contributes to the Air Quality Communications Network (AQCN), which brings together researchers, practitioners, campaigners, and creatives to explore and advance the practice of communicating air quality issues.