Starting here in May 2022 - I am a Professor of Forensic Science and Programme Director for the undergraduate Forensic Science degree programmes. My research activities include body fluid identification, bloodstain pattern analysis, and forensic epigenetics. I also have non-forensic research interests relating to epigenetic influences on hearing loss.
I was a Home Office Forensic Biologist in London Laboratory of the Forensic Science Service. I then entered into academia at the University of Huddersfield, developing and delivering their UG and PG forensic science provisions. During this time I was also Chair of Research Integrity and Ethics as well as the Human Tissue Act Designated Individual. In 2017, I became Head of Department at Staffordshire University and was conferred Professor of Forensic Biology and was a UoA Lead for the REF.
I have a diverse research portfolio covering various aspects of Forensic Biology:
- Body Fluid Identification targeting mRNA, microRNA and DNA methylation
- Phenotypic analysis of external visible characteristics and in particular, the influence of mixed race individuals
- Developing effective datasets to assists in Bayes based interpretational model - namely addressing activity level hypotheses
- Bloodstain pattern analysis - looking to improve the scientific background to the discipline and developing the use of AI to improve pattern classification
- Exploring the influence of disease on genetic based body fluid identification strategies
- I also have non-forensic research interest in epigenetic influences upon hearing loss
I am the Programme Director for the BSc Forensic Science programmes and I currently teach on Crime Scene to Court Room 1, Crime Scene to Court Room 2, and Advanced Forensic Science.
I am a UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor and I am currently supervising 8 PhD students, covering
1. Forensic Strategies to Address Consent in Sexual Assaults
2. Evaluating the persistency of encapsulated DNA on counterfeit bank notes
3. Influence of disease upon genetic based body fluid identification
4. Developing an AI based bloodstain pattern recognition system
5. Influence of mixed race individual on DNA profile interpretation
6. Exploring the behaviour of blood in extreme environments
7. Developing a vaginal fluid identification assay
8. Evaluation and developing a novel BPA interpretation model
I am able to supervise PhDs in a wide range of projects
I currently hold the following roles:
- Accreditation Assessor with the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
- Visiting Professor with Staffordshire University
- Member of the Editorial Board of Report and Research in Forensic Medical Sciences
- A range of external examiner roles with other universities, including in Australia