My research program seeks to understand the underlying physiology of diseases common in horses, and how these diseases can be modified with targeted nutrition, with a focus on cartilage biology.
We are interested in structure-function relationships of enzymes and enzyme evolution. We are studying steroid degrading enzymes from the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other related bacteria. We are also interested in enzymes that can be used to detoxify environmental pollutants.
Our program offers an opportunity to work with diverse faculty, develop and apply theory and qualitative, quantitative & mixed research skills and communicate in clear and accessible written, oral and visual forms with and for multiple audiences to affect positive social change.
I and my lab study animal welfare. We're interested in how to create good living conditions for animals kept in labs, zoos and farms; in how scientists can assess well-being objectively; and in what happens to brain and behaviour when animals are raised and kept lifelong in confining, barren enclosures.
Our research is mainly focused on studying ultrafine biopolymeric and synthetic fibres produced by electrostatic spinning techniques. These versatile materials are being exploited in our laboratory for the encapsulation and triggered release of bioactive compounds.
My research is focused on developing intelligent robotics systems including Robotic grasping, human-robot interaction, machine vision, machine learning, and embedded computing systems.