Professor of Plant Science, University of Sheffield (2004-present) Group Leader, ETH-Zurich, Switzerland (1997-2004) Habilitation, University of Bern, Switzerland (1996) Assistant, University of Bern, Switzerland (1989-1996) Postdoctorate, ETH-Zurich, Switzerland (1988) PhD Cambridge (1987) BA Cambridge (1984)

Our research is focussed on understanding the mechanism of plant morphogenenesis. In particular, we are interested in understanding the interplay of cell growth and division and how these parameters are integrated into the developmental program controlling leaf size and shape. Using techniques of cell and molecular biology, we are testing hypotheses on the regulation of organogenesis. At the same time, these approaches provide functional data on gene products implicated in basic aspects of the plant cell cycle and the plant cell wall. Our focus is on an integrative approach in which, in addition to cell and molecular techniques, we are incorporating computational modeling, physiology and biochemistry to provide an organismal-level understanding of leaf formation and function. In addition, as a result of our interest in cell division and the cell wall and how they are integrated into plant function, we have become involved in a range of collaborative ventures. For example, the interplay between development, physiology and metabolism has led to novel joint projects aimed at developing/implementing techniques for the visualization and analysis of metabolites at the cellular level and their integration with developmental processes (Paul Quick, Mike Burrell). The cell wall also plays an important role in the functioning of specific cell types required for leaf function and this has led to joint EvoDevo projects looking at aspects of plant evolution (David Beerling, Julie Gray, Charles Wellman).