Peter is an active multidisciplinary researcher interested in how reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals, affect cellular and tissue function. ROS are of biomedical interest because excessive ROS (also known as oxidative stress) are thought to contribute to the complications of more than 80 chronic and lifestyle diseases. Examples include muscle wasting, Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, renal failure and aging. ROS are also of interest in normal cell function because ROS are involved in responses to physiological perturbations (e.g. hypoxia, heat, exercise, nutrition).

Our group is interested in how ROS affect cellular function by modifying the activities of proteins. As part of this research, we have developed and patented technology which has enabled us to better understand the molecular mechanisms by ROS affect health and disease. More recently, our research group have developed biomarker technology in blood and urine which enables us to monitor oxidative stress during physiological perturbations and various diseases. With the biomarker technology we can take our research out of the laboratory and by monitoring stress, we can solve problems in animal industries, particularly  aquaculture, and facilitate improved monitoring of oxidative stress in human diseases.

Peter is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an experienced educator in the discipline of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. an experimental science which, in essence, is focused on how cells work at a molecular level. This can involve understanding function or dysfunction at the level of genes, proteins or interacting networks of macromolecules. He is actively involved in teaching, curriculum development, and supervision of graduate and post graduate students. He has a particular interest in laboratory teaching and has worked collaboratively to improve the quality of laboratories to enhance student engagement and to develop student skills in modern technologies, data analysis and problem solving.