I use electron beams to interrogate the structure, defects and light emission from solids. Together with students and colleagues here at Strathclyde and from across the world, I work on new developments and novel applications of the scanning electron microscopy techniques of electron backscatter diffraction, electron channelling contrast imaging and cathodoluminescence imaging. In particular we have developed novel techniques to rapidly and non-destructively analyse defects in nitride semiconductors used for production of UV and visible LEDs and transistor structures.
I have taught solid state physics; biophysical instrumentation; medical physics; optical; electron and scanning probe microscopy; and public engagement of research. I am presently teaching Introduction to Astronomy; electromagnetism and mechanics. I teach in undergraduate laboratories and supervise student projects.
I am also committed to public engagement giving lectures, writing articles, running workshops, quizzes, street busking, leading science street tours and providing kits to schools. I am a past Vice President of the Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow, I am an enthusiastic contributor to the Glasgow Science Festival and to Explorathon (European Researchers Night Scotland). I was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2014.