My main area of research is focused on developing novel biomaterials from waste resources for biomedical applications.
I became interested in adding value to the waste products from New Zealand’s annual $NZ6 billion red meat export industry. I have significant expertise in characterising biomaterials using various analytical techniques and evaluating the biocompatibility using in-vitro and in-vivo techniques.
My secondary research interests lie in the field of developing medical devices, dental materials, management of temporomandibular disorders, endodontic applications and treatments, restorative dentistry and dental education.
Current research strategies are focused on:
Developing novel bone grafts from bovine and Ovine bone for bone regeneration applications
Developing bio-composite materials for biomedical applications (wound dressing, cleft lip palate repair, and orthopaedic applications)
Development and testing of a bovine-derived nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste for caries management
Development of a novel hydroxyapatite-based vital pulp therapy material synthesized from waste bovine bone
A novel approach for the diagnosis and monitoring of temporomandibular disorders
