About
I began my academic journey as the first-ever Assistant Professor in Digital Design and Innovation at the School of Textiles and Design, Heriot-Watt University, at just 26 years old. From there, I transitioned to the School of Engineering at the University of Liverpool, where I currently serve as an Assistant Professor in Product Design. My academic background is far from conventional – it weaves together Fine Arts, Media and Film Studies, Design, Immersive Computing Technologies, Colour Science, and Education, all from some of the world’s leading universities. This unique interdisciplinary foundation has shaped my research into two key areas: technology design for humans and design technology for non-humans.
Over the years, I have published extensively in top-tier AHCI, SCI, and SSCI journals and presented at international conferences. I have also supervised research projects across a range of fascinating topics, including colour science, digital heritage, mental health, biophilic design, fashion design, and sound design. My work goes beyond academic publications; I am passionate about transforming ideas into tangible outcomes, collaborating closely with industry partners to bring research to life in fields such as healthcare, education, business, fashion, and engineering.
I am also an active contributor to the academic community. I serve as a Review Editor for Frontiers in Imaging (Imaging Applications) and regularly peer review for several major UK and international organisations, including the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and the InterAct Peer Review College. I also review for leading publishers such as Sage, Routledge (Taylor & Francis), Wiley, and Springer, ensuring I stay connected to the latest developments in my field.
In addition, I am a Fellow and member of several distinguished societies, including the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the Design Research Society (DRS), the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), and the Association Internationale de la Couleur’s (AIC) Study Group on Environmental Colour Design. I have always believed that design and technology can achieve more than functionality – they have the power to inspire, connect, and transform the way we interact with the world, enhancing the lives of people, the quality of places, and the health of the planet.
Prizes or Honours
- PiE Teaching Excellence Award (Shortlist) (Heriot-Watt University, 2023)