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I am an Associate Professor in Molecular Biology at ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ, where I lead the Biomolecular Technology Group within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. My research focuses on the development and application of DNA-based methods to support the authentication, quality control, and safety of herbal medicines, botanicals, and plant-derived products.

I hold a PhD in Molecular Plant Biology from the University of Warwick and have established a strong research track record in the molecular identification and genetic analysis of medicinal and food plant materials. Since joining ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ, I have led and contributed to projects advancing DNA barcoding and real-time PCR approaches for species authentication, with direct relevance to regulatory compliance and industry practice.

My research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and informed a REF Impact Case Study on the application of DNA authentication methods in the herbal medicines sector. Alongside my academic work, I collaborate closely with industry partners to support molecular analysis of botanicals and natural products, translating research outputs into practical tools for quality assurance.

I also serve as an Associate Editor for The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology and actively engage in academic and industry collaborations in molecular plant biology, DNA barcoding, and the quality and regulation of natural products.

My research outputs are documented in peer-reviewed publications available via my Google Scholar profile .

My research centres on the application of molecular biology and DNA-based technologies to address challenges in the quality, safety, and authenticity of medicinal plants, herbal medicines, and plant-derived products within complex global supply chains. A key focus of my work is the development and validation of DNA barcoding and real-time PCR methods for the reliable authentication of plant species used in regulated and commercial products.

I have particular expertise in detecting species substitution, adulteration, and contamination in herbal medicines, spices, and botanicals, supporting both regulatory enforcement and industry quality assurance. My research integrates molecular identification with an understanding of genetic variability, enabling more robust interpretation of DNA-based test results across diverse plant materials and processing conditions.

An important strand of my work examines how genotypic variation and environmental factors influence plant secondary metabolite profiles, linking molecular identity with chemical composition and biological relevance. This builds on earlier research in plant biotechnology and tissue culture approaches aimed at optimising secondary metabolite production, which continues to inform my current investigations into genotype–environment interactions and gene regulation in medicinal plants.

Overall, my expertise spans molecular genetics, plant biotechnology, and applied DNA diagnostics, with an emphasis on developing methods that are scientifically robust, regulatory relevant, and readily transferable to industry and public sector stakeholders.

• Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• Molecular Genetics and Genomics
• Bioanalytical Instrumentation and Techniques
• Research and Diagnostic Techniques
• Gene Cloning, Protein Expression & Analyses 
• Advanced Biomedical Practice
• Applied Biotechnology in Biomedical Sciences

• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Advanced Biomedical Science MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

I provide consultancy and analytical support in the application of DNA-based methods for the identification, authentication, and quality assessment of plant-derived materials. My consultancy work spans herbal medicines, spices, food ingredients, seeds, and other botanical products, with a particular focus on species identification, detection of substitution or contamination, and support for regulatory compliance.

I advise industry partners, public bodies, and research organisations on the selection, development, and interpretation of molecular tests, including DNA barcoding and targeted PCR approaches, tailored to specific products, supply chains, and risk scenarios. This includes troubleshooting complex samples, interpreting ambiguous results, and providing scientific evidence to support decision-making in quality assurance, product development, and regulatory investigations.

My consultancy activities also extend to the identification of non-indigenous and regulated plant species, risk assessment of plant material entering supply chains, and the application of molecular tools in border control, import checks, and biosecurity contexts. Where appropriate, I support method validation, protocol development, and training to enable organisations to implement DNA-based testing in-house or through external laboratories.

Through this work, I aim to translate academic expertise in molecular plant biology into practical, robust solutions for real-world challenges involving plant identity, safety, and compliance.