Dan Hawthorne

Drug delivery, specifically in the delivery of bioactive compounds to the optical surface via hydrogel-embedded platforms (e.g. contact lenses).

Optical sensors and biosensing - especially colorimetric systems which can easily be read by (e.g.) smartphones software which can extract RGB data.

MRes level project supervision for the development of novel nanoparticulate-based, contact lens-embedded, drug delivery systems. I aim to encourage in students that they consider aspects of commercialisation in their research, thus taking a far-sighted approach to each research project beyond proof-of-concept work.

My teaching focuses on a 'what is learned' approach rather than a 'what is taught' approach. I therefore try and frame my lessons and lectures in such a way that the students are encouraged to reach the conclusion and meet the learning outcome themselves.

Current work is a collaborative effort with both industry and academic partners, with knowledge shared between individuals with expertise in chemistry, pharmaceutics, and biomolecular science. I am always keen to develop new networking opportunities and expand mutual understanding to reach a common goal with real-world benefit that is not limited just to publication.