I am a plant and slug molecular biologist, with an interest in investigating slug behaviour and the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant-invertebrate interactions.

My PhD at the University of Glasgow sought to better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating UV-B-mediated tolerance of Oilseed rape to the Diamondback moth and the grey field slug. This project employed a multi-omics approach to identify genetic and metabolic overlaps between UV-B-signalling and defence pathways in this commercially-important crop. This project sparked my interest in working with slugs, a key pest in agricultural systems that are often overlooked at a research-level. It is my belief that improved knowledge of the biology and behaviour of these pests will help us design alternative, holistic integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for their control in agricultural systems.

My current research predominately aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating feeding and mating behaviours in the notorious mollusc pest of agricultural systems, the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum). This knowledge will support development of alternative, holistic integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for slug control in agrisystems, exploiting species-specific aspects of their biology or behaviour. Lab-based molecular and physiological research is also accompanied with field-based studies, to assess slug abundance and activity in agricultural systems employing a range of different agronomic practices.

I am also interested in elucidating how slugs detect and respond to their surroundings, particularly different qualities and quantities of light. My fascination in slug photobiology stems from my experience studying UV-B signalling pathways in plants during my PhD, and I intend to identify key molecular components responsible for slug responses to sunlight that are vital for their survival.