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Associate Professor of Marine Biology and Director of Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University

The main focus of my research group is the development and application of ecotoxicological biomarkers of exposure to aqueous and sediment-associated contaminants in the marine and estuarine environment. Of particular interest are the impacts of oilfield chemicals and engineered nanomaterials on marine and estuarine organisms, ranging from bacteria to fish. I am also interested in ecotoxicology of near-shelf deep-sea benthic organisms, the general effects of anthropogenic activity on benthic community structure and the fate of organic and inorganic pollutants in the marine and estuarine environment. Amongst other published studies are the effects of sediment-associated contaminants on juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), sediment-associated triorganotin compounds on the osmoregulation of the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) and the bioaccumulation capacity for trace metals in bivalves (Macoma balthica).

Experience

  • –present
    Director of Studies, Energy, geoscience, infrastructure and society , Heriot-Watt University