Thitisuda Kanchana-at | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Thitisuda Kanchana-at, Thammasat University, Thailand

Thitisuda Kanchana-at is a passionate and skilled researcher in analytical chemistry and environmental toxicology, with a strong emphasis on air pollution and its effects on human health. With a background in forensic science and chemistry, she brings an interdisciplinary approach to understanding environmental contaminants, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in airborne particles. Currently serving as a research assistant at Thammasat University, she conducts in-depth analysis of particulate matter and its biological impacts on dermal and bronchial airway cells. Her role also includes operating advanced instrumentation like ICP-MS at Chulalongkorn University, where she collaborates on sustainable engineering projects. Thitisuda’s academic and professional path reflects her dedication to solving real-world problems at the intersection of chemistry, health, and the environment. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at leading academic symposia. Her work is rooted in scientific rigor, health impact awareness, and a drive for innovative environmental solutions.

Publication Profile

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Education

Thitisuda Kanchana-at holds an MSc in Forensic Science from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University (2022–2025), where her thesis focuses on characterizing particulate-bound PAHs and heavy metals in indoor air from religious sites in Bangkok and correlating findings with human exposure risks. This work is done in collaboration with the Environmental Engineering graduate program at Chulalongkorn University, integrating forensic analysis and environmental health research. She also completed her BSc in Chemistry from Chulalongkorn University (2018–2022), graduating with upper-second class honors and finishing one semester early. Her senior project centered on synthesizing an adsorbent from chitosan, nanocellulose, and zero-valent iron for arsenic removal, reflecting her early interest in pollution control and remediation. Her education has equipped her with strong foundations in analytical chemistry, instrumentation, environmental science, and interdisciplinary research, forming a solid base for her growing career in environmental health and forensic applications.

Experience

Thitisuda has extensive research experience across prestigious Thai institutions. Since October 2023, she has been a Research Assistant at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, conducting in-depth studies on ultrafine particulate matter, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, and their biological effects on skin and lung cells. Concurrently, since September 2022, she has worked as an ICP-MS Technician and Research Assistant at the Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. There, she supports environmental research in collaboration with local authorities, specializing in trace metal analysis using ICP-MS. Her early practical exposure includes internships at STREC, where she trained on instruments like TEM, SEM, NMR, and HPLC, and forensic anthropology training at Siriraj Hospital in 2024. Her experience merges practical laboratory skills, interdisciplinary research, and environmental health science, enabling her to contribute to academic research, environmental monitoring, and public health assessments.

Awards and Honors

Thitisuda Kanchana-at has demonstrated academic excellence and professional engagement, earning recognition throughout her education and early career. While specific award titles are not detailed, her achievements include graduating with upper-second class honors from Chulalongkorn University, completing her BSc in Chemistry one semester early, and being selected to present as a Speaker at the 11th Joint Symposium 2025—“Frontiers in Allied Health Sciences for All,” a prestigious platform highlighting significant research advancements. Her inclusion as a first author in the journal Atmosphere and co-author of a conference paper in IOP Publishing proceedings further attest to her scholarly contributions. Her forensic anthropology training at Siriraj Hospital and technical training at STREC underline her proactive pursuit of specialized knowledge and hands-on proficiency. These accomplishments collectively reflect her outstanding performance in research, communication, and scientific contribution in environmental health and forensic chemistry.

Research Focus

Thitisuda’s research is focused on the intersection of environmental chemistry and public health, particularly the toxicological impacts of air pollution. Her primary research investigates the presence and effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in ultrafine particulate matter (PM0.1), especially from indoor air environments such as religious spaces. She examines how these pollutants affect human health at the cellular level, studying their impact on keratinocytes and bronchial airway cells. Her work involves advanced analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, AAS, chromatography, and mass spectrometry to characterize contaminants and assess exposure risk. Thitisuda’s interdisciplinary approach also includes collaboration with environmental engineers to develop data-driven health assessments. She aims to translate chemical and toxicological data into meaningful insights for public health policy and environmental regulations. Her research serves as a vital bridge between forensic science, environmental analysis, and biomedical health risk evaluation.

Publication Top Notes

• “Characterization of Particulate-Bound PAHs and Heavy Metals in Religious Indoor Air in Bangkok and Human Exposure Assessment” – Atmosphere (First Author)

• “Integrating Environmental Forensics and Toxicology in Urban Air Quality Studies” – IOP Publishing (Conference Proceeding – Co-author)