As a biogeomorphologist, my research interests centre around the two-way interactions between organisms and the physical environment, especially in the fields of rock and stone weathering, landscape evolution and architectural heritage conservation in locations such as Thailand, India and the UK. My doctoral thesis told the story of a little-known earth surface process called bioprotection, from the time it was proposed by Charles Darwin during his Beagle voyage in relation to his observations of marine life forms on the sandstone harbour wall at Pernambuco on the Brazilian coast. I drew upon ecological surveys as well as field and laboratory experiments to consider the role of bioprotection in both landscape evolution and architectural heritage conservation. Postdoctoral work on an English Heritage / University of Oxford funded project followed, during which I investigated the role of ivy in heritage conservation, before I took up positions at Hertford and Jesus Colleges as Lecturer in Physical Geography.

My current work with OxRBL (Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Laboratory), at the School of Geography and the Environment, is co-funded by Blenheim Palace and the University of Oxford Strategic Innovation Fund and seeks to develop methods of mapping and explaining the location and effects of lichens on the facade of the palace. The broader aim of this research is to find nature-based solutions and to create a digital tool to assist in the management of historic buildings such as Blenheim Palace. My work there is also helping to establish the full biodiversity of the site, further contributing to its World Heritage status.