Research Interests
Open to PhD applications in the fields of:
- Novel bioactive biomaterials as implants for improved pain control following peritoneal surgery
- Implantable (mucoadhesive) drug delivery systems for application to the oral cavity, vagina and eye
- Design and formulation of implants to prevent/treat mastitis in cattle
Public outreach & key achievements
I have extensive experience in the commercialisation of pharmaceutical products and medical devices (>70 in total), including the award-winning, commercially-available stoma sealant, (Cohesive Paste™), to prevent leakage and improve stoma health and patients’ quality of life (commercialised by TG Eakin). In addition, in conjunction with Provita, I have commercialised a series of products designed for the enhanced treatments of infection in farmed animals.
I have been/am currently the founding member and Director of two award-winning, spin-out companies and am the author of several (16) patented technologies.
I have been elected to the following academies/institutions;
- Academia Europaea (2025)
- Royal Academy of Ireland (2022)
- Academy of Medical Sciences (2022)
- Royal Academy of Engineering (2018)
- Irish Academy of Engineering (2018)
- Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016)
- Royal Society of Chemistry (2016)
- Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (2013)
- Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (2001)
- Royal Statistical Society (2000)
Research students
| PhD Title | Eutectic systems embedded within implantable matrices for improved post-surgical wound management and recovery |
| Name | Magdy Abdelquader |
| Country | Egypt |
| Years of Study | 2022 - 2026 |
| PhD Title | Novel organogrl platforms for the improved prevention/treatment of bovine mastitis |
| Name | Hanfei Sun |
| Country | China |
| Years of Study | 2022 - 2026 |
Alumni: Where are they now
| PhD Title | Rheological Characterisation of Bioadhesive Drug Delivery Systems |
| Name | Dr Michelle Bateson |
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Study | 1997-2000 |
| Current Position | Vice President of Global Self Care, Research and Development, Kenvue |
| PhD Title | Characterisation of Drug Loaded Insoluble Polymeric Matrices Prepared By Hot Melt Extrusion Technology for Drug Delivery Applications |
| Name | Dr. Debby Caldwell |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Year of Study | 2007-2011 |
| Current Position | Managing Director, Rosolas Pharma |
| PhD Title | Lidocaine Based Biomaterials for Enhanced Recovery after Peritoneal Surgery |
| Name | Dr Georgina Proctor |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Year of Study | 2014-2018 |
| Current Position | Senior Product Development Scientist, Teva Pharmaceuticals |