I am a lecturer and Programme Director in Forensic Science (BSc) at the Hull York Medical School, within the Centre for Biomedicine.
I obtained an Honours degree in Forensic and Analytical Science from Sheffield Hallam University before becoming a forensic drug analyst and toxicologist, where I worked with the police and other clients on the analysis of drugs of abuse and drug-related evidence for criminal courts.
I also gained work experience within the NHS, working in the virology and toxicological sector, before becoming a laboratory manager for an analytical company. Afterward, I pursued a PhD at the University of Sheffield, studying the bio-tribological properties of contaminated gloves for forensic and clinical purposes. This opportunity allowed me to have a secondment in Kluang, Malaysia, working with polymer manufacturing plants.
After completing my PhD in 2021, I worked at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, lecturing in Forensic and Analytical Sciences, before joining the University of Hull in 2022, and becoming Director for the Forensic Science BSc in 2025. In addition, I am the admissions tutor for the BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, as well as the Academic Integrity Lead for the Centre for Biomedicine
My research focuses on the bio-tribological applications of polymers in contact with skin for forensic and clinical purposes. I am particularly interested in glove marks and their development, along with toxicology and the analytical analysis/interpretation of drugs of abuse, and the ecotoxicological impact of illicit substances. My educational research explores diverse pedagogical approaches within forensic science, with a focus on case-based learning, authentic assessment, and strategies to enhance student engagement and employability.
I contribute to teaching across the B.Sc. (Hons) Forensic Science programme, where I serve as module leader and lecturer for Foundation Chemistry (330143), Introduction to Forensic Science (441318), Environmental Forensic Science (662331), and Forensic Analysis of Drugs (661918). In addition, I deliver teaching on Analytical Chemistry, Specialist Forensic Science, Professional Skills, and Skills for Scientists, alongside facilitating workshops for foundation-year students focused on data analysis and preparation for transition into higher education. My teaching portfolio also extends to postgraduate education, where I contribute lectures to the master’s programmes within the Hull York Medical School.I supervise student research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, offering projects aligned with third-year 40-credit independent research dissertations in forensic science, as well as 60-credit postgraduate taught research projects in analytical forensic science and pharmaceutical education.
I supervise postgraduate research projects within analytical forensic science and pharmaceutical education, including 60-credit independent research projects on taught postgraduate programmes and MRes-level dissertations aligned with my research interests in forensic trace evidence, bio-tribology, drug analysis, and forensic education.
Primary supervision
Vaibhavi Vijay Sargade – MSc Pharmacology Education, University of Hull – The Pharmacological Effects of Drugs of Abuse: Can This Be Communicated to Prevent Student Drug Use? (Completed, 2024)
Ponnu Thomas – MSc Pharmacology Education – The Pharmacological Effects of Novel Psychoactive Substances and Their Communication to Students (Completed, 2025)
Scott Ray – MRes Forensic Science – Quantifying Latent Fingerprint Transfer Through Different Glove Polymers and Subsequent Surface Deposition (Ongoing)
Abigail Jones – MRes Forensic Science – Detection of Alcohol in Tears and Secondary Transfer via GC-FID (Ongoing)
Secondary supervision
Ellen Hansard – MRes Forensic Science – Evaluating the Influence of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis on Dark-Coloured 3D Textiles (Ongoing)
External Examiner: Postgraduate programmes in Chemical Forensic Science (MSc) and Biological Forensic Science (MSc), University of Huddersfield.
Foster and Freeman Award for Outstanding Performance on an Undergraduate Project
Best paper award 2020 for International Journal of Ergonomics (CSC Journals)
National Innovation Placement Funding (NPIF) – awarded in 2019 for work placement to aid PhD and support UK business innovation.