I am an applied economist with a specialisation in behavioural economics, food marketing and econometrics. My research aims to further the understanding of individuals’ behaviour and its determining factors and how policy can best make use of this understanding to promote more sustainable and healthier food production and consumption. Whereas some of this work encompasses qualitative methods, the main thrust has been towards quantitative modelling, such as choice and econometric modelling.

Current:

• 2020-2022: GCRF- Academy of Medical Sciences, "Improving access to nutritious and sustainable food products in Nepal". 
• 2021-2026: USDA-NIF, "Understanding Precision Livestock Farming Adoption in the U.S. Swine Industry". 
• 2021: Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), "Methane-Inhibiting Livestock Feed Supplements: Review of Net Impacts, Barriers to Success And Consumer Acceptance". 
• 2017-2021: European Commission - Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, "Transition Paths To Sustainable Legume Based Systems In Europe". 
• 2016-2022: The Scottish Government - RESAS Strategic Research Programme, Theme 3 - "Food and Health". 

Previous (last five years):

• 2020-2021: Scottish Government, "Economic modelling: reducing health harms of foods high in fat, sugar or salt".
• 2019-2021: Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), "Low Atmospheric Pressure Stunning (LAPS) in pigs: a humane alternative to carbon dioxide".
• 2018-2019: Scottish Government, "The Impact Of Mandatory Written Dairy Contracts In European Countries And Their Potential Application In Scotland".
• 2017-2019: European Comission, "Understanding consumer behaviour to encourage a (more) sustainable food choice".

PhDs:

• Rachel Penden: 2016-2020 at SRUC/University of Edinburgh. Dissertation’s title: Demand driven solutions to reduce aggression between pigs.
• Joe Hills: 2019-present at SRUC/University of Edinburgh The match between precision livestock technologies and the needs and constraints of farmers and veterinary surgeons.

MScs:

• Over 25 students

2020-present:  Overnutrition: Policy Interventions (BS course)

2019-present:  Theory of Demand (BS course)

2019-present:  Choice Experiment: Theory and Practice (MSc course)

2013-present:  Malnutrition (MSc course)

2013-present:  Demand Analysis (MSc course)