An interdisciplinary scientist who completed a BSc in Biology, followed by and MSc in Parasitology before becoming interested in the material – biological interactions and completing a PhD (at UCL as part of the Queen Mary IRC in Biomedical Materials) looking at the causes of aseptic loosening of  orthopaedic implants. Using this knowledge on cell-material interactions Gavin was recruited by Prof. Larry Hench’s group at Imperial College London (Department of Materials) as a research associate investigating the use of bioactive glass for regenerative medicine. It was during this time that Gavin also developed an interest in multidisciplinary characterisation of material-cell constructs and together the Prof. Ioan Nottigher investigated the use of Raman spectroscopy for the characterising these interactions.

Gavin Joined Prof. Molly Stevens group in 2005 to continue research on tissue engineering and Raman Spectroscopy (as well as overseeing the creation of the tissue engineering laboratories). After 4 great years publishing on a variety of topics (Bio-Raman in tissue engineering, stem cell, tissue engineering, CNT-polyurethane scaffolds and bioactive glasses) and creating/patenting a new range of HIF-1alpha stabilising bioactive glasses (cobalt and copper releasing glasses). Gavin retuned to UCL to lead a new MSc in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine and develop his own research group.