Research Interests

My research interests focus on the role of specific components of the Western diet, namely advanced glycation end products (AGEs), in metabolic health and the development of chronic diseases.  Also, the potential of plant bio-actives to alleviate health complications.

Key interests include:

• the effects of foods containing high levels of AGEs on sensitive measures of metabolic health
• the potential of phytochemicals to alleviate health complications and to prevent certain diseases
• the role of processing methods in improving food quality
• reformulation of processed foods by adding plant bio-actives 

Activities

• Member of Nutrition Society, Biochemical Society, and British Society of Proteome Research
• Peer reviewer for academic journals including, British Journal of Nutrition, Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, Nutrients and Analytical Biochemistry
• Peer reviewer for BBSRC research grants

Supervision

2 completed Ph.D. students:

Mahasin, A. A. Kh. Alnajjar (2012-2017): ‘An investigation into the effects of soft fruit extracts with high anthocyanin content on glycemia in overweight or obese people with or without Type II Diabetes, and an exploration of their potential use to make healthier food products.’

Fiona Hamilton Mclean (2012-2017): ‘The impact of a high-fat diet on memory in mice.’

Teaching

• Programme coordinator for MSc Human Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen.
• Course Coordinator for RN5001 Fundamentals of Human Nutrition and Metabolism and RN5003 Foundations of Nutrition.