Research Interests

My research focuses on elucidating the role of chemical metabolites (natural chemical substances) from plants in ecological interactions, as well as their fate in the environment. Specifically, I am interested in chemical signalling in ecological relationships, including plant-pest interactions, microbial communication, and chemical defences in various species.

Our current research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind chemical communication and its implications for biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. We explore the ecological significance of chemical interactions in nature using an interdisciplinary approach that combines analytical chemistry (targeted and untargeted metabolomics), molecular biology, and field studies.
 
We also isolate and characterise biological nitrification inhibitor (BNI) compounds in cereal isogenic lines to uncover the molecular mechanisms of plant-driven nitrification suppression, and to enable breeding and biotechnological innovations that reduce nitrogen losses in agriculture.
 
We investigate benzoxazinoids, bioactive natural compounds primarily produced in cereals and some dicotyledonous plants, to assess their significant potential impacts in agricultural systems.
 
We have established state-of-the-art chemical analytical methods to analyse various phytochemical classes abundant in crop species, utilising LC-MS/MS, LC-QTRAP, and high-resolution LC-Orbitrap MS instruments.

Collaboration
We are actively collaborating with researchers worldwide and engaging in outreach programs to promote awareness of ecological sustainability and the importance of chemical ecology in addressing global challenges.

 
Opportunities for Bachelor's and MSc Projects
We offer several collaborative, multidisciplinary projects that focus on chemical ecology and utilizing plant chemistry to enhance plant health and performance. Examples of available projects can be found in the thesis catalogue.