My research focuses on understanding health and disease states, and how humans grow and develop.I am interested in understanding how the interplay between genes, epigenome, environment, behaviour and the commensal bacteria (the microbiome) can influence the health and well-being outcomes of children and young adolescents.Key current research areas include:1. The role of the oral microbiome in health and disease2. Pre-natal influences on oral health in mid-childhood3. The role of diet in early development4. Dental anthropology and forensicsOur group has a broad range of projects available that enable students to tailor their experience to attain specific skills. We operate both wet and dry laboratories, have a strong track record in bioinformatics and big data analysis, and have some very active collaborations with other groups (and potential co-supervisors) in Sydney and the USA.I am highly skilled in operational management and coordination of human studies in multi-centre clinical settings with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. I actively pursue and nurture supportive, collaborative and productive teams. I have a proven track record in project management, research design, analytical skills, people management, budgeting and stakeholder management.