Personal profile

Area of academic expertise - outline

As a forensic science practitioner for over nine years, I have contributed to numerous national and international cases, including high-profile investigations.  My casework portfolio encompasses various offence and evidence types, with a particular focus on the interpretation and evaluation of DNA evidence, especially in cases involving complex profiles or specialist analytical techniques.  I continue to provide consultancy and expert witness services, specialising in forensic toxicology and scene examination. 

My research has focused on forensic toxicology, spanning the key areas of:

  • Performance and image enhanceing drugs (particularly anabolic androgenic steroids)
  • Development and validation of GC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods for detecting drugs of abuse in blood.
  • Quality assurance and proficiency testing within forensic toxicology.
  • The Field Impairment Test (FIT) for identifying drug-impaired drivers.

In addition, I have completed the Robert F. Borkenstein Course on the effects of drugs on human performance and behavior, a highly regarded qualification for providing expert opinions in driver impairment cases.

I am also committed to advancing forensic science education through innovative and inclusive teaching practices.  I strive to create learning environments that are accessible, engaging, and supportive for diverse learners.  By embracing novel learning and teaching methods I aim to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to excel in forensic science and related fields.

Current research activities

My primary research interests lie in the development of inclusive learning and teaching methods, with a particular emphasis on the effective teaching of sensitive and challenging subjects.  I am passionate about creating equitable educational environments that support diverse learners and promote engagement with complex topics.

Additionally, I am interested in exploring how forensic analytical methods can be adapted and applied to other scientific disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and expanding the impact of forensic science techniques.

 

Desired research direction

My future research aims to advance inclusive and innovative practices in higher education, with a focus on enhancing the teaching of sensitive and complex subjects.  I am particularly interested in exploring how small adjustments in teaching methods can create more supportive and equitable learning environments.

I also intend to build on my interest in the interdisciplinary application of forensic analytical methods, investigating their potential to address challenges in other scientific fields.

Target collaborative companies

I am keen to collaborate with forensic service providers, analytical instrumentation companies, and other academics interested in inclusive education and innovative teaching practices.

Target collaborative organisations

 

 

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

External positions

Member of the UK Forensic Science Regulator's Working Group on Drugs and Toxicology, Office of the Forensic Science Regulator

2025 → …

External Examiner, Liverpool John Moores University

Sept 2024 → …

External Examiner, University of Cumbria

2020 → …

External Examiner, Teesside University

20172021

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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