My research focus is on the identification and investigation of the controls on nutrient cycling by Porifera in the deep ocean. This work has two main branches:

1. To carrying out taxonomic analysis of sponges collected from the North Atlantic, in collaboration with the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.
2. To use X-ray tomography and Finite Element Analysis to investigate sponge biomechanics and use this to look at fluid flow around the sponges.

This will allow me to examine the biological and environmental factors that could limit sponge growth. To ultimately study the influence of biogeochemical cycling in sponge grounds.