My research lies at the interface of cellular biology, pharmacology, and integrative physiology, with a central focus on understanding and treating metabolic and reproductive disorders emanating from the brain and pituitary. A core theme of my research is the role of neuropeptides as master regulators of homeostatic processes. These signalling molecules coordinate a wide array of physiological functions, including energy balance, body composition, sleep-wake cycles, stress responses and ageing. Disruption in any of these tightly regulated processes can lead to profound consequences, notably, obesity, metabolic dysfunction and impaired fertility.
The overarching aim of my research programme is to define the hierarchical organisation of neuroendocrine signals that regulate energy homeostasis and reproductive function across the lifespan. I am particularly interested in how they adapt to physiological challenges and how they deteriorate or become dysregulated in disease states. By identifying key nodes within these signalling hierarchies, my work seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets for conditions such as obesity, infertility, and related metabolic disorders. 
To address these questions, my laboratory employs an integrative and multidisciplinary approach that bridges molecular, cellular and systems-level neuroendocrinology. We make extensive use of transgenic animal models to dissect gene function in vivo, complemented by by cellular and molecular techniques to interrogate signalling pathways within specific neuronal populations. Our work focuses particularly on neuroendocrine circuits within the hypothalamus and amygdala, regions that play critical roles in coordinating metabolic and reproductive physiology.

Current research funding is provided by:

The Cunningham Trust - PhD Studentship

RS MacDonald Trust - Neurophotonics Grant

Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences (IBANS) MSc Research Scholarship

Reproduction; Infertility; Brain Hormones; Neuroendocrinology; Endocrinology; Transgenic animals; Gene therapy