I lecture on the BSc programme and serve as Programme Director for the MSc Forensic Science. I also contribute to the forensic modules within the Foundation Year. My teaching includes biology-based practicals, scientific and crime-related workshops, skills-focused tutorials, and practitioner-led lectures that draw on real-world experience.
I am currently Module Leader for:-Advanced Forensic Science (600082)-Forensic Science in Practice (551733)-Professional Research Skills for Biomedical and Forensic Scientists (551697)In addition, I lecture on Specialist Forensic Techniques and the Group Challenge module.
Beyond teaching, I design and deliver outreach events in collaboration with local communities and academic institutions, and I actively participate in the University’s Open Days and AVD Days.
I also supervise independent research projects, including:-BSc third-year 40-credit projects in Forensic Science-Postgraduate taught 60-credit projects in Biomedical Sciences-MSc by Research projects in Forensic Science
I am currently a Lecturer in Forensic Science and Programme Director for the MSc Forensic Science at Hull York Medical School. My teaching is practitioner-focused and experience-led, with a particular emphasis on the biological aspects of forensic analysis, including DNA profiling and body fluid identification.
I hold an Honours degree in Biomedical Science from Leeds Metropolitan University and an MSc in Forensic Science from the University of Huddersfield. My professional career began in 2011
Areas of Expertise
Expertise in nucleic acid analysis with a specialism in body fluid recovery and identification/ differentiation as well as DNA detection and gene expression via qPCR. I have experience within the forensic and molecular biology discipline from a commercial and academic environment.
I am experienced in the full analysis of scene of crime DNA samples within an accredited ISO 17025 laboratory having spent two years within LGC forensics. From this I completed my PhD focusing on body fluid analysis utilising qPCR, the technical skills I gained were utilised in technical support/ account management for Novacyt. This involved training commercial and academic laboratory's in qPCR analysis. From this experience I obtained a position as Lecturer in Forensic and Analytical science at the University of Huddersfield where I have used my time within forensic labs to develop and deliver content for post and undergraduate studentsI have a broad skill set across the forensic and biomedical field, with research interests that span and apply both fields. Current interests focus on biomarker isolation in regards to certain stages of diabetes as well as nucleic acid recovery and analysis from various forensic samples.
My research focuses on improving body fluid identification through the analysis of biomarkers such as miRNA, mRNA, and DNA methylation, alongside the application of forensically relevant analytical techniques, including ATR-FTIR. Current projects explore the dynamic changes that occur within the human body, with the aim of understanding the impact on forensic casework interpretation as well as advancing methods for predicting potential diseases.
I am also interested in studying the decomposition of various materials and body fluids across different environments, particularly in relation to their evidential value and interpretation in forensic investigations.
Forensic Science - Centre for Biomedicine
600082 - Advanced forensic Science - DNA statistics and analysis
551713 - forensic Science in Practice - Cell staining, DNA analysis - extraction, quantification, amplification, capillary electrophoresis
551697 - Professional Research skills for Biomedical and Forensic Scientists - Statistics, CV building, building employability skills
662330 - Specialist Forensic Science Techniques - Disaster victim identification, entomology, anthropology
330113 - Group challenge - research building skills - design and implement a test for a forensic question
2020 - Fellow - Higher Education Academy
2015 - Chartered Society of Forensic Science research grant.
MSc by research - based around body fluid identification or decomposition studies.
Current MSc by research looking into decomposition of organs inflicted with injury.