As a developmental biologist, I am interested in how external factors influence or perturb development. For example, the effects of nutrition. I have worked on various model organisms and promote the use of the chick as a developmental model for research and teaching. 

My research in teaching is centred on creating inclusive and safe spaces for students. I am interested in how language changes can improve understanding whilst creating a sense of safety and belonging.

I  am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I teach on several modules within the Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences

I currently teach on the following modules: 

• BIOL141 Skills in the Life Sciences: Module Organiser. A core module focussing on scientific reading, writing and basic analysis alongside the development of practical laboratory skills.
• BIOL124 Hormones and Development: Module Organiser.  Reproduction, pregnancy and development
• BIOL125 Human Physiology: Cardiovascular and Respiratory lectures and practical physiology labs.
• BIOL284 Practical Physiology: Heart and muscle physiology taught by case studies and labs exploring the effects of exercise and aging.

I was appointed to the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences in January 2022. My background is in Developmental Biology (B.Sc and Ph.D) with subsequent postdoctoral work in limb development at the University of Dundee. I worked on neural and cardiac models in Dundee and the University of St Andrews, where I combined developmental biology with cell biology and physiology. 

I have also been involved in the successful introduction of Bystander Intervention Training to Lancaster University and the University of Lancashire.