I am a Kidney Research UK funded Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham and the lead scientist for SIMS-based glycosaminoglycan (GAG) imaging and analysis at the Nottingham GlycoAnalytics Hub. I completed my PhD in 2024 titled: The development of ToF-SIMS for in-situ GAG analysis which established SIMS as a label free method of obtaining simultaneous spatial and compositional GAG analysis in biological systems.  My role within the analytics hub is to make this technique accessible through collaborative and industrial partnerships. My own research focuses on using SIMS to understand changes the glomerular filtration barrier in pregnancy and renal disease, high throughput screening, development of  advanced workflows using both ToF and 3D Orbi-SIMS for high-resolution biomolecular imaging and the integration of SIMS to multi-modal imaging workflows.

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I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and the Integrated Glycoanalytics Lead for the Nottingham GlycoAnalytics Hub at the University of Nottingham. My role focuses on the strategic integration of advanced glycoanalytical workflows that combine secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) with complementary techniques, driving cross-platform workflows, method correlation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of the GlycoWeb team, my research aims to unravel the complexities of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) structure and how this shapes their diverse roles in development and disease. By combining cutting-edge stem cell models, imaging mass spectrometry, and complementary glycoanalytical techniques, my work uncovers how systems control GAG biosynthesis and structure — and how we can harness this for transformative biomedical and biotechnological innovations.

I am currently Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham. My early research focussed on the development of novel biomaterials, but I have recently become fascinated by the complexity and biological role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). I have developed novel analytical approaches to enable their assessment within pharmaceutical formulations, various biological fluids such as urine and blood, as well as within tissue samples. I aim to develop analytical tools that are able to assess both the composition and spatial arrangement of GAGs within biological systems concurrently.

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My fundamental interest is in capillary ultrafiltration. This the the biophysical method by which molecules move between the blood and the the interstitium. The primary size (and charge) filter is the endothelial glycocalyx, probably facilitated by the glycosaminoglycans. My research focuses on developing 3D correlative microscopy techniques in order to better describe this process and its components. I therefore contribute to research across these themes both together and independently. 

I lead an interdisciplinary research group investigating how glycans and the pericellular matrix regulate cell behaviour in health and disease. Our work employs stem cell-based tools and novel 3D culture systems to model cancer and rare inherited diseases. 
 

I serve on the NC3Rs Board and support initiatives promoting non-animal-derived research methods, including hosting international sessions on matrix alternatives and a recent event on non-animal antibodies. 

Our recent publications include the first report of a human defect in the HS2ST enzyme and in vitro models for glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. We are also developing a transformative glycan analysis method for detecting glycosaminoglycans in situ and in patient samples. 

Internationally, I hold an Honorary Doctorate and a part-time position at Uppsala University, and have established collaborations with colleagues in Australia, Malaysia, Denmark, and the USA. I am lead author of a key textbook chapter on proteoglycans and sulphated glycosaminoglycans.