I am fascinated by the biology of pollination and floral visitors, in particular the Hymenoptera (bees, ants and wasps). Much of my research work so far has been focused in this area, though I am also interested in insect-plant interactions more generally. Before starting at Oxford, I completed an MPhil degree at the University of St Andrews on the chemical ecology of ant-plant interactions and a PhD at the University of Cambridge on the biomechanics of interactions between bees and plants.
I am currently working on the energetics of pollinator foraging behaviour, studying how nectar composition and pollinator taste perception interact to influence assessment of floral reward. I mainly work with bees, though I have worked with other insect species, and very much enjoy branching out into other areas when the opportunity arises.
