My current research surrounds using GCMS methods to study the profiles of volatile compounds in greenspaces. This work has been traditionally limited to plant volatiles, however, I am also working on determining the contributions of microbial volatiles (such as mycorrhizal fungi) to these ‘smellscapes’.
My work intends to answer questions such as (i) how the presence/absence of certain volatiles may affects human health, and (ii) how data collected on volatile profiles can inform biome health and nature recovery. My PhD (Exeter) and post doctoral research projects (Exeter, Oxford) have specialised in fungal and bacterial pathogens of plants (wheat and banana) and mushrooms.
Related Research Themes
Ecology
Testing the effectiveness of different ecological approaches for nature recovery to support biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Human health and wellbeing
Exploring, understanding, and determining those aspects of nature which directly contribute to improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing.
