I am an Immunologist specialising in Vascular Disease with an interest in environmental modulators of inflammation. I am currently researching the how air pollution increases atherosclerotic vascular disease, and whether naturally-derived anti-inflammatory compounds can provide protection. My previous research has focused on macrophage activity in atherosclerotic vascular disease and I have shown the protective role of plant-derived drug compounds such as Metformin. I have published several high-impact papers in leading cardiovascular journals such as Circulation, and presented my research at many international cardiovascular and immunology conferences. I contributed to Non-Communicable Diseases report for the World Health Organization and the São Paulo Declaration on Planetary Health. I also have aided the development of Cell and Gene Therapies in Industry.

I lead teaching of human anatomy and physiology for the Department of Health Studies, with an emphasis on environmental and social determinants of health.

This includes leading the 'Introduction to Human Science' module as part of the BSc in Health Studies, and Human Sciences for the MSc in Occupational Therapy. I also teach on the MSc and MA in Global Health.

I am studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind how environmental exposures modulate inflammation in the body such as air pollution, infectious diseases and medicinal plants. My current focus is on how ultrafine air particulates from diesel exhausts exacerbate cardiovascular inflammation in the context of Atherosclerosis. I am also researching how to improve public education about air quality and the harms caused by poor air quality to human health.

I am also using pedagogical approaches to improve planetary health education for students in the Global South, focusing on Sri Lanka and Brazil.

I founded Girawa in 2021 producing a Planetary Health education programme for secondary school students in Sri Lanka, Brazil and beyond. Girawa is an organizational member of the Planetary Health Alliance.

I hold a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and an MRes in Biomedical Sciences, specisalising in Cardiovascular Science from Imperial College London.

My PhD which was based at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology and funded by the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, uncovered a novel molecular mechanism by which macrophages perform efferocytosis in atherosclerosis, and how this is impaired by the transcription factor IRF5 driving necrotic core formation.

My post-doctoral research at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, also funded by the British Heart Foundation, demonstrated the protective effect of the anti-diabetic French Lilac plant-derived drug Metformin and Heme on macrophage activity in atherosclerotic disease via activation of the AMPK-ATF1 signalling pathway. I also developed novel in vivo models to study the role of AMPK-ATF1 signalling and CREB in the resolution of acute inflammation and subdural haematomas.