Kia ora koutou | Greetings

I have been an academic staff member in Te Kura Mātai Matū | School of Chemical Sciences in Te Whare Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science since 2004 when I joined the school as lecturer. Since then I have been promoted numerous times and in 2020 was promoted to Professor.

My research focuses on the synthesis of organic molecules and whilst doing so exploring fundamental chemical principles to aid the development of efficient synthetic methods, the preparation of novel molecular structures and to answer complex biological questions.

At present my research group is working on number of different research areas including: the development of new synthetic methodologies; the synthesis of bioactive lignans (plant derived natural products) and the synthesis of novel treatments for cancer and new anti-microbial agents.

Along with this my research group is active in the development of new synthetic methods to prepare organic molecules rich in heteroatoms. I also am active in a number of national and international multidisciplinary research projects working on areas such as the development of new polymeric materials, particularly those using biopolymers, natural product synthesis and determination and the synthesis of labelled wine components for wine profiling.

Please see further details of my research areas and projects in the research tab. Students interested in working with me can contact me via email to discuss research opportunities.