Our group's research focuses on the regulation of cartilage and bone homeostasis in development and in disease states such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and Stickler syndrome as well as during repair and regeneration. We are particularly interested in the interplay between genes and environmental cues such as mechanical loading, diet, and metabolism. We use the zebrafish as a model because it combines excellent genetics with beautiful imaging possibilities, which allow us to study the development and repair of the skeletal system dynamically in vivo.

Our group are friendly, inclusive and interdisciplinary and committed to open science and engagement with the public. We have a number of projects running in collaboration with clinicians, engineers and epidemiologists. 

Current funded projects include:

The role of neutrophils in fracture repair

Repair and regeneration in the ageing skeleton

The role of senescence, autophagy and metabolism in controlling skeletal homeostasis

Joint mechanics through the lifecourse

Regulation of extra cellular matrix and relationship to circadian rhythm

We are always happy to consider collaborations and frequently host international students, so do get in touch if you have ideas you want to explore with our group.

Additionally, with Emma Vincent, I co-lead an Elizabeth Blackwell Institute research strand called 'Mechanisms to Populations' which aims to help overcome the barriers to interdisciplinary work in epidmiology and functional biological studies. For mroe information on the strand please see: 

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/blackwell/health-research/research-strands/mechanisms-to-populations/