Overview

Qualifications

2000-present: Professor of Fish Physiology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter

1990-1991: Nuffield Foundation Sciences Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter

1988-2000: Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader, School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter

1979-1988: Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Hull

1976-1979: Patrick & Irwin Packington Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Sheffield

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Research

Research interests

Research is focused on understanding how environmental events affect animals, particularly fish, although much of our recent work is focused on primates, where welfare is of major importance. Here, the application of non-invasive strategies to assess welfare, stress, management in captivity, and the impacts of parasites are our main interests, and we are employing behavioural and physiological approaches. Concern as to the effects of parasites in fish has led to our examination of the impacts of parasite infections on the physiological responses to simultaneous environmental changes. The impact of natural environmental variables, such as salinity and how these may determine distribution of fish is of particular interest, especially in relation to the potential spread of alien species using saline bridges. Further research is focused on the impact of anthropogenic pollutants that are of immediate concern, such as thyroid disruptor chemicals, where an integrated approach, using molecular, physiological, cellular approaches is being employed. Work on endocrine systems and their activation is providing insights into the evolution of these systems in early vertebrates, and aims to develop a picture of the integration of classical circulating hormonal systems with the more recently discovered paracrine systems.

This research has attracted funding of £1 million from NERC, BBSRC, Royal Society and various charities and industries (eg Nuffield Foundation, The Leverhulme Trust, Amerada Hess, AstraZeneca). Current funding from NERC is focused on the impacts of non-indigenous (alien) fish species and their ability to use 'salt-bridges' as routes for further invasion. This research is examining physiological and behavioural responses to salinity and employing laboratory-based investigations complemented by field tracking studies in partnership with the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquacultural Science (CEFAS).

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Teaching

I have been active as a University teacher for more than 25 years giving lectures and practical classes in Human Physiology, Animal Physiology, Fish Physiology & Environmental Physiology, but commitments to University teaching will cease from August 2005.

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