My research interests primarily focus in the fields of oral microbiology and microbial biofilms. Previous research has been directed towards elucidating the role of Candida in chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC), which led to the development of novel genotypic methods for identifying Candida species in fixed tissues. The significance of this work was recognised through receipt of both the Colgate Prize and the IADR/Unilever Hatton Award. Additional Candida research has included the study of antifungal susceptibility of Candida species, virulence gene expression and real-time PCR detection of Candida in oral samples. I have also investigated interaction of Candida with associated bacteria in oral tissue and on medical devices (e.g. silicone rubber, acrylic, and titanium). The invasive properties of Candida based on in vitro tissue models has successfully revealed strain and species variation which could have significance in disease progression. Research in this area has benefited through collaboration with colleagues at the University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, the Gdansk Institute of Technology, Gdansk, Poland, and the Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil. Recently, I have also been involved in studies aimed at elucidating the innate immune response to Candida through cytokine signalling and subsequent T-cell differentiation.