The main focus of my research group is the development and application of ecotoxicological biomarkers of exposure to aqueous and sediment-associated contaminants in the marine and estuarine environment. Of particular interest are the impacts of oilfield chemicals and engineered nanomaterials on marine and estuarine organisms, ranging from bacteria to fish. I am also interested in ecotoxicology of near-shelf deep-sea benthic organisms, the general effects of anthropogenic activity on benthic community structure and the fate of organic and inorganic pollutants in the marine and estuarine environment. Amongst other published studies are the effects of sediment-associated contaminants on juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), sediment-associated triorganotin compounds on the osmoregulation of the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) and the bioaccumulation capacity for trace metals in bivalves (Macoma balthica).

MSc in Zoology and Marine Ecology in 1996 from the University of Vienna, Austria.

Internship at the IAEA's Marine Environment Laboratory in Monaco.

PhD in Biological Oceanography in 2000 from Southampton University, UK

Postdoctoral research and from 2001-2003 University College Cork, Ireland

Temporary lecturer 2003-2006 at University College Cork, Ireland

Lecturer in Marine Biology, Heriot-Watt University 2006 - August 2013

Associate Professor of Marine Biology, Heriot-Watt University August 2013 - present