A central theme of my research is designing innovative solutions, whether to better measure complex biological processes or to create more equitable and engaging learning environments for students. These efforts are reflected in three complementary strands:

1. Development of New Sensing Devices for Biomarker Detection in the Gastrointestinal System

We design and fabricate advanced electrochemical sensing platforms, including emerging 3D‑printed electrode technologies, to monitor key biomolecules. These tools are used to explore how gastrointestinal biomarkers change with age and disease, enabling deeper insight into GI physiology and enteric nervous system function.

2. Detection of Falsified and Substandard Medicines

A new and expanding strand of our work focuses on creating sensor‑based devices for detecting fake or poor quality medicines. These portable, low‑cost analytical tools aim to support global health efforts by improving pharmaceutical verification, enhancing patient safety, and addressing widening challenges in medicine authenticity across supply chains.

3. Educational Research to Enhance Student Employability and Advance Equity in Higher Education

Alongside laboratory research, I lead a strong programme of educational research, developing technology‑enhanced, inclusive, and equitable learning approaches. This work aims to support diverse student communities, improve access to opportunities, and strengthen employability within chemistry and the wider STEM disciplines.

I teach across a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the School of Applied Sciences. My teaching is rooted in analytical chemistry and measurement science.

My educational practice is strongly research‑informed. This includes work on flipped learning approaches in analytical chemistry, published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, where we evaluated the effectiveness of blended, problem‑based models for improving student engagement and active learning in measurement science. These pedagogical studies help underpin the way I design learning experiences that move beyond traditional lecture formats and prioritise interaction, critical thinking, and authentic problem‑solving.

I employ a diverse set of technology‑enhanced and active‑learning approaches, including structured blended learning, pre‑laboratory digital preparation, and interactive workshop‑based sessions. The impact of these methods has been widely recognised. My innovations—such as the Analyst Laboratory Challenge, inspired by The Apprentice—have been celebrated for enhancing student employability, strengthening real‑world skills, and improving inclusivity in learning environments. This work has received praise from employers, media outlets, and teaching communities, and has been implemented internationally.

My commitment to equity and student success is reflected in my sustained focus on understanding barriers faced by minority ethnic students and embedding inclusive practices into STEM teaching. This work contributed directly to my recognition as a National Teaching Fellow, with Advance HE citing my leadership in developing novel, equitable educational practices that enhance employability and widen participation in the chemical sciences.

The impact of my educational innovations has been acknowledged through numerous awards, including multiple Student Union Excellence Awards (2015 and 2021), recognising innovative teaching, inclusive practice, and empowering learning. Nationally, I received the Royal Society of Chemistry Excellence in Higher Education Prize (2021) for designing innovative and effective analytical‑chemistry curricula that support real‑life skill development and prepare students for future careers. I was subsequently awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (2022) for my sustained impact on student outcomes, leadership in curriculum innovation, and commitment to equity in higher education.

Collectively, these activities reflect my commitment to creating a research‑led, inclusive, and impactful learning environment, where students are empowered with the analytical, professional, and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in scientific and interdisciplinary careers.

My supervisory interests are:

• Development of advanced and 3D‑printed electrochemical sensors for biomarker detection 

• Exploring the signalling mechanisms of the bowel and bladder epithelium

• Educational research focused on innovative, equitable learning approaches and enhancing student employability 

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences from the University of Brighton in 2002, where I first developed a deep interest in analytical chemistry and its application to biological measurement. This led me to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at Imperial College London under the guidance of Dr Danny O’Hare and Dr Mark Yeoman (University of Brighton), focusing on how neuronal signalling changes with ageing in single neurons of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis.

Following my PhD, I was awarded an EPSRC Life Sciences Interface Postdoctoral Fellowship, which enabled me to develop analytical devices to study synapse formation. Much of this fellowship was conducted outside the UK, giving me the opportunity to work in the laboratories of Professor Greg Swain (Michigan State University, USA), Professor Mark Wightman (University of North Carolina, USA), and Professor Naweed Syed (University of Calgary, Canada). It was during this time that I became increasingly aware of the significant measurement challenges within the digestive tract, which led to collaborations with Professor James Galligan (Michigan State University) and Professor Keith Sharkey (University of Calgary).

I joined the University of Brighton as a Lecturer in 2010 and progressed to Professor in 2019. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive a number of prestigious honours recognizing both my research and educational innovation. These include the GlaxoSmithKline Emerging Scientist Award (2013), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Science Award (2015), and the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Excellence in Higher Education Prize (2021) for my contributions to innovative teaching. I was also awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (2022) and elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

In 2023, I received the RSC Analytical Science Mid-career Prize for advancing electrochemical sensor technologies, and I was named among the top 100 most influential leaders in analytical science by The Analytical Scientist, recognised specifically as one of the top 25 mentors and educators of the decade. These awards reflect my commitment both to advancing analytical measurement science and to championing innovation and equity in chemical education.