Research Interests
Open to PhD applications in the field of drug delivery
- Controlled drug delivery systems for treating a range of chronic disorders
- Small and Biologics delivery using novel platforms such as injectable implants, preformed implants, microparticles and nanoparticles for treating a range of ocular disorders
- Synthesis and characterisation of block copolymers
- Electrospinning based drug delivery systems for improved topical drug delivery
- Thermoresponsive and in situ depot forming hydrogel-based systems
- Nanoparticles-based to provided improved drug loading and penetration properties across biological barriers
- Microneedles as minimally invasive delivery systems for transscleral and transcorneal delivery
- Medical devices for ocular and transdermal applications
Public outreach & key achievements
- The DNA of Innovation, Volume V: New Voices, New Impact - Research Impact Showcase
- My ocular drug delivery research has led to a university spinout company, Re-Vana Therapeutics Ltd, which has won the ‘Life and Health’ category of ‘INVENT 2015’. This prestigious annual award is made under the NISP CONNECT entrepreneurship programme, which is based at the Northern Ireland Science Park, UK. Also won the 2015 Mass Challenge UK Silver Award. MassChallenge, based in Boston USA, is the largest start-up accelerator in the world, with over 2,200 applicants worldwide in this international competition.
Research students
| PhD Title | Depot forming nanoparticles for sustained ocular drug delivery |
| Name | Yu Wu |
| Country | China |
| Year of Study | 2018-2021 |
| PhD Title | Electrospinning-based ocular inserts for enhanced topical delivery |
| Name | Shubhamkumar M Baviskar |
| Country | India |
| Year of Study | 2018-2021 |
| EdD Title | Synthesis and characterization of block polymers micelles |
| Name | Ahmad Assiri |
| Country | Saudi |
| Year of Study | 2019-2022 |
Alumni: Where are they now
| PhD Title | Sustained release biodegradable ocular drug delivery systems |
| Name | Dr Hannah McMillan |
| Year of Study | 2012-2015 |
| Country | UK |
| Current Position | Formulation Scientist at Actavis, Belfast |
| PhD Title | Development and Evaluation of Biodegradable Implants for long-term ocular drug delivery |
| Name | Dr Kathryn McAvoy |
| Year of Study | 2014-2017 |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Current Position | Formulation Scientist Warner Chilcott |