My research interests concern human metabolism and the effects of exercise, nutrition and environmental factors on key regulatory processes. I am particularly interested in the factors regulating body composition and the effects this has on health. I use a range of technologies and methods to address research of problems concerning health, e.g. obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, across the lifespan.  I use stable isotope technology to measure the rate of processes involved in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. I also have research experience in cell and molecular physiology.

 I have supervised or co-supervised 20 Ph.D., MPhil and MD students with projects relevant to human function. Recent projects have investigated Achilles tendinopathy, heat effects on the elderly, exercise effects on stem cell function and the response of fat and carbohydrate metabolism to hypoxia and exercise.

I received my BSc from the University of Nottingham, my Ph.D. from the University of Hull. I did my first postdoctoral fellowship at the Univesity of Hull and my second at the Univesity of Dundee. I then was appointed to a Wellcome Trust lectureship in stable isotope technology before moving onto a further funded research post at Dundee, then to an established lectureship in the Department of Physiology at the University of Dundee. In 2001 I was appointed the head of Sport and Exercise Science at the Univesity of Brighton. I have been here as a Reader and Associate professor.

I have experience of supervising research projects aimed at understanding the causal links between nutrition, activity and health. 

My research and supervisory interests lie in the areas of:

Lifestyle interventions of exercise and diet on obesity and its comorbidities

Measuring metabolic processes in vivo

Exercise and stem cell function

Environmental effects on health and function.