About
I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a First-Class BEng in Clinical Engineering with Materials in 1997, followed by a PhD in Bone Biomaterial Interactions in 2000.
From the very start of my career my work has been recognised—winning prizes as an undergraduate, including the Armourers & Braziers Company Medal, the Vernon Thomas Prize, and the Bannister Prize. Later, my research on how stem cells can be controlled using novel nanoscale coatings on different materials led to patents, licensing agreements, and the Bionow Emerging Technology Project of the Year award. I was also honoured to receive the Robert Brown Early Researcher Career Award, and I’ve enjoyed playing an active role in the UK biomaterials community, including organising national and European conferences. M
After my PhD, I joined the UK Centre for Tissue Engineering before moving into the School of Engineering in 2013 as a lecturer in Biomedical Engineering. Since then, my career has taken me through a variety of roles—Senior Lecturer, Reader, and now Professor. In 2021, I became Interim Head of the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering and then took up my role as the inaugural Head of Department of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering.
In addition to leading a growing activity in Biomedical Engineering, Biomaterials, Anti-microbial Materials and Pre-clinical testing regimes within the department I also lead an international research group which focuses on translating fundamental science to directly implantable degradable synthetic scaffolds through the latest advances in surface engineering and biomanufacturing. Currently, my group is investigating a range of exciting projects: from using surface engineering to support bone and neuronal tissue repair, to standardising in vitro test methods that can be used to model ageing and disease in a number of clinical targets, and developing advanced nanosensors that can measure oxygen, pH, and glucose in real time during 3D cell testing. A central theme of my work is bringing together biology and engineering to create cost-effective, reliable testing platforms that bridge the gap between laboratory concepts and real-world applications.
Most recently, we have been developing new technologies for real-time, label-free tracking of synthetic and natural nanoparticles in biological solutions. This platform has the potential to speed up drug discovery and improve testing for antimicrobial and antiviral therapies, opening up powerful new avenues for healthcare innovation.
Alongside my research, I’ve always been passionate about education. I’ve led on postgraduate taught programmes, introduced new courses, and, as Director of Education, helped guide our students and staff through the challenges of the pandemic.
Prizes or Honours
- Bionow 2010 Emerging Technology Project of the Year (NWDA; Bionow, 2010)
- Early Stage Investigator (Prof Robert Brown President and awards committee of the TCES, 2010)