David's research interests include: The role of oxidative stress in nanoparticle/cell interactions. The role of calcium as a signalling molecule. The effects of particulate air pollution in the lung.

David's career began in the early 1970s at the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), at that time run by the National coal Board. The Institute conducted research into the health and diseases of miners exposed to coal dust during their working career. This research led to further studies involving workers exposed to asbestos fibres and into cell based studies where attempts were made to understand the effects of man-made mineral fibres in the lung. David moved to the IOM unit at the City Hospital where this work was continued until the mid 1990s.  He then moved to Napier University in 1995 to study the effects of various nanoparticles in the respiratory system under the directorship of Professor Ken Donaldson. During his time at Napier University, he developed various in vitro models to investigate the cellular effects of nanoparticles exposure in different organ systems in the body. David has recently relocated to Heriot-Watt University where this work is continuing.