After growing up in rural Dumfriesshire I moved to Glasgow and completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Glasgow in 2013. I went on to study my PhD at the University of Edinburgh, investigating the interactions between natural organic matter and anthropogenic radionuclides in soils and sediments.

Now back at the University of Glasgow, and back on home turf living just outside Dumfries, my role involves delivering a range of teaching on the Environmental Science and Sustainability degree program, managing the Environmental Teaching lab, undertaking analysis of various environmental samples, overseeing undergraduate research projects, teaching practical lab skills and . 

My research focuses on Environmental Chemistry - Investigating chemical processes and interactions in the surface environment. 

This includes:

• Inorganic contamination of soil and freshwaters from sources such as past and present industrial activities or agricuture
• Investigation of physicochemical indicators of soil and water quality
• Processes and interactions involving natural organic matter in soil and water systems  
• Analytical method development
• Broadening Environmental Science accessibility through the application of smartphone-based sensing systems
• Environmenal Chemisty education and pedagogy

During my PhD at the University of Edinburgh, I investiagated the interaction of natural organic matter with uranium and radiocarbon from natural and anthropogenic sources in soils and sediments. As part of this research I used a broad range of analytical techiniques to characterise natural organic matter, such as 1H-NMR, FTIR, UV/Vis, radiocarbon dating and mass spectrometry techniques as well as inorganic analysis of heavy metals using ICP-OES, ICP-MS and XAS and radionuclides by gamma spectrometry. 

My recent research activities include investigating the contribution of natural organic matter to streamwater acidification in Galloway, evaluating the effectiveness of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones to mitigate nutrient pollution, and development of a smartphone-based method for quantification of soil salinity. 

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RSC Research Enablement Grant: "Investigating seasonal patterns of diffuse pollution to rivers in the Lower Nithsdale Nitrate Vulnerable Zone." 2022 - 2023

• This project was a year-long investigation of diffuse nutrient pollution in the Nith valley, Southwest Scotland, including monthly repeat sampling and target analysis of water quality during storm flow events.

University of Glasgow Chancellor's Fund: "Teaching Garden Maintenance, Upgrade and Events." (2022 - 2024)

• This internal grant was used to upgrade and improve the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability Teaching Garden by replacing damaged raised beds and purchasing new equipment for teaching, research and recreation activities.

BSSS field Equipment Grant, 2019

• Grant awarded for the purchase of portable colorimetric analysis equipment which is now used regularly in field and lab teaching activities.

• Earth System Science (Level 1)
• Research Methods For Environmental Scientists (Level 2)
• Terrestrial Environment: Pollutants and Processes (Level 2)
• Environmental Field Course (Level 4)
• Research Design and Methods (Nankai-Glasgow joint graduate school, Level 5)