My main research interest is in studying the chemistry of fossil soft-tissues such as skin, fur and feathers in order to understand the biochemistry of the once living organisms. I mostly employ synchrotron X-ray techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) 2D elemental imaging and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) but also use Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). I am currently focussing on mapping the trace metals (such as copper and zinc) associated with melanin pigments.