Field of Expertise
Sustainable Chemistry; Materials Science; Analytical Technique Development; Nanotechnology; Bio-Engineering; Rheology; Tribology; Lubrication; Lifecycle Assessment; Manufacturing; Nano-Composite Materials & Healthcare Technology.
Expertise
I have a vision of moving towards sustainable nano-composite materials for packaging and manufacturing and bio-engineering nature to enhance it for inclusive and sustainable healthcare technologies. To this end, I have three core strands of expertise (aligned to broader research interests): 1. Nano-Composite Materials Sustainable soft-materials, composite of synthetic and natural components offer an exciting evolution in fields ranging from food packaging to drug-delivery. We are able to tune their function to specific goals by understanding the interaction between components and the materials they are packaging. Built on experience of working in the food industry, I use this to support a broad range of research in my team towards biodegradable, recyclable and compostable materials. I also regularly perform holistic Lifecycle Assessments of new materials and manufacturing processes for interested industrial partners. 2. Understanding Nature From the nano-scale up to complete biological systems, nature is complex and always changing. My team uses novel techniques to help understand the bio-physics and bio-chemistry underlying nature and how humankind interacts with it. This enables the design of bio-inspired materials and the call-by-cell bio-engineering of new manufacturing processes for healthcare and packaging. 3. Technique Development Sitting at the interface between engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and computational modelling. We develop bespoke, cutting-edge technologies for use in research labs and at point-of-care or in-the-field to reveal new information about biological and chemical systems. My team uses this to provide insight and real-time monitoring into everything from what is going on inside complex manufacturing processes, through to understanding the nano-scale lubricating processes inside the engine of a car or in a human knee.