My research interests have focused on the understanding and manipulation of gut ecosystems to improve animal productivity while reducing the environmental impact of animal husbandry.

I graduated from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne with BSc Honours in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition in 1981. I then  went onto do a PhD on Microbial metabolism of lactic acid in the rumen at the Hannah Research Institute in Scotland. Prior to joining SRUC I was Professor of Animal Science and Director of Research and Enterprise at the Institute of Biological and Rural Sciences, Aberyswyth University, Wales.  Prior to joining the Aberystwyth University in 2003, I was based at the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen for 16 years.