Control of blood pressure and tissue perfusion is essential for good health. Our laboratories research concentrates on the neural mechanisms that control blood vessels both under normal conditions and in ill health. In particular we are investigating how nerve injuries modify neural control of blood vessel. In addition to our work on blood vessels, we are investigating the behaviour of sensory nerves in the cornea of the eye. The novel feature of this sensory nerve work is that we make recordings directly from the very fine nerve terminals of nociceptive neurones.
From a background in biomechanical engineering, the focus of my research is on how the nervous system responds to mechanical loading - both those loads which cause injury and those which are part of normal function. Basic research includes developing novel imaging methods for understanding mechanical properties of body tissues, models of spinal cord injury, and sleep apnoea biomechanics. Our applied research includes studying injuries in car crashes, particularly to children and rear seat occupants.
