Research Interests
Open to PhD applications in the field of
- Novel bioactive biomaterials as implants
- Implantable (mucoadhesive) drug delivery systems for application to the oral cavity, vagina and eye
- Novel engineering strategies for improved medical device and dosage form performance
Public outreach & key achievements
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I have extensive experience in the commercialisation of pharmaceutical products and medical devices (>70 in total). Most recently I designed and developed an award-winning, commercially-available stoma sealant, (Cohesive Paste™), to prevent leakage and improve stoma health and patients’ quality of life (commercialised by TG Eakin). In addition, in conjunction with Provita, I have commercialised a series of products designed for the enhanced treatments of infection in farmed animals.
I have been/am currently the founding member and Director of two award-winning, spin-out companies and am the author of several (12) patented technologies.
I am an elected Fellow of the following academies/institutions;
- Royal Academy of Engineering (2018)
- Irish Academy of Engineering (2018)
- Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016)
- Royal Society of Chemistry (2016)
- Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (2013)
- Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (2001)
- Royal Statistical Society (2000)
Research students
| PhD Title | Novel bioactive implants for enhanced post-surgery recovery |
| Name | Abreu Passos |
| Country | Angola |
| Year of Study | 2015-2019 |
Alumni: Where are they now
| PhD Title | Rheological Characterisation of Bioadhesive Drug Delivery Systems |
| Name | Dr Michelle Bateson |
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Study | 1997-2000 |
| Current Position | Vice-President, R&D, Analgesics and Respiratory Reckitt Benckiser (United Kingdom) |
| PhD Title | Mucoadhesive Systems for Drug Delivery |
| Name | Dr. Brendan Muldoon |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Year of Study | 2016-2019 |
| Current Position | R&D Site Head, Teva Pharmaceuticals (United Kingdom) |
| PhD Title | Characterisation of Drug Loaded Insoluble Polymeric Matrices Prepared By Hot Melt Extrusion Technology for Drug Delivery Applications |
| Name | Dr. Debby Caldwell |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Year of Study | 2007-2011 |
| Current Position | Drug Product Project Leader/ Formulation Project Leader, Novartis (Basle, Switzerland) |
| PhD Title | Biodegradable sustained release systems for ocular drug delivery |
| Name | Dr. Hannah McMillan |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Year of Study | 2011- 2014 |
| Current Position | Formulation Scientist, Teva Pharmaceuticals (United Kingdom) |