Research

My scientific research stems from my interest in optics. I spent several years working in atomic & molecular physics, exploring novel quantum systems and probing trace gases using high-power lasers and synchrotron light. I now explore the physics of the eye, developing devices targeted to ophthalmology. The field is fascinating – even seemingly-simple questions such as: ‘Why don't we notice when we blink?’ and ‘How do people distinguish so many colours?’ open up an exciting and interdisciplinary world of exploration. My specific focus is the biomechanics of the cornea – an avascular yet living structure with unique strength and stability, and with remarkable transparency to incoming light. Research in my group involves an exciting mix of optics and electronics, and modelling and apparatus design, and constitutes a great preparation for a future career in science, whether in academic or industrial sectors.

My education research involves developing new student-centred approaches to learning, with a focus on various forms of assessment. I am a co-creator of the integrated testlet, a tool which assesses and enhances students' understanding of complex knowledge through a set of scaffolded multiple-choice items within an answer-until-correct format. I have recently implemented this approach within both WeBWorK and a textbook on optics.

A list of my publications (& a patent) can be found here.

To learn more about these projects please contact me.

Former Graduate Students & Postdocs at Trent: