Svetlana Tretsiakova-McNally has a BSc (Hons.) in Chemistry from the Belarusian State University (Belarus). She was awarded her PhD in Polymer Chemistry, by the Belarusian Academy of Sciences in 2007.

In 2009, Svetlana commenced her post-doctoral research career at Ulster University within the Fire Safety Engineering Research and Technology Centre (FireSERT), where she worked on the project studying the effects of nano- and molecularly-dispersed additives on the flame retardance of chain-growth polymers, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. In 2016, she became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Svetlana was appointed as a Lecturer in Chemistry in 2017.

Svetlana’s research interests focus on: polymer, organic, analytical and combustion chemistries. Her research expertise encompasses flame retardant and smart polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid compositions, water purification technologies, cellulose derivatives, sustainable materials including ligno-cellulosic bio-adsorbents and geopolymer cement/concrete, waste recycling/management and alternative energy sources.

She publishes in the fields of polymer science, colloid chemistry, materials, sustainability and waste management. She has co-authored over 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and conference proceedings.

She has been involved in the European research projects such as HyResponse and the European H2FC infrastructure where she organised the technical schools in hydrogen and fuel cell.

Svetlana coordinates chemistry and mathematics modules, Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment.