During my biomedical research career, my central technique was culturing human cells in 3D scaffolds and using these to understand the development of ocular and musculoskeletal diseases and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).

PhD (Dr S. Barker/Dr J. Sanderson, UEA). Creating a drug-loaded vitreous humour substitute. I developed a number of bio-hydrogel formulations that had the correct material characteristics to support the delicate tissues of the eye and with the potential to deliver drug. Formulations were tested for cellular toxicity, rheological properties and clarity.

My first post-doctoral position was working in the lab of Prof I. Clark. Here I used Fibroblast Populated Collagen Lattices (FPCL's) as a model to investigate the molecular underpinnings of Dupuytrens Disease.

I then moved to the lab of Prof. N. Morrell in the Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge. Using primary human EPC's cultured in 3D collagen gels, I could study how mutations in BMRC-2/ALK-1 are involved in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. 

My most recent research projects took me back to pharmacology and drug delivery. I worked in the lab of Prof. S. Qi (UEA) creating novel drug eluting contact lenses and also spent some time developing intra- muscular injectable lipid-based formulations as a depot for the slow release of drugs.

I draw upon my biomedical research experience to inform my teaching. 

I am module organinser (MO) for:

• Cell Biology (Level 5)
• Research Project (Level 6)

Due to my involvement in the research project module, I have a particular interest in helping our students aquire professional skills. These are the transferable skills that employers look for in graduates and will prepare them for success in their careers.

I also enjoy helping students develop their academic writing skills and give lectures on how to reference correctly.

As well as delivering teaching on my own modules, I also teach: Pharmacology, ocular biology, vascular biology, muscle & cardiovascular physiology.

Academic adviser to Biomedicine undergraduate students

Module organiser for BIO-5005B Cell Biology

Co-Module Organiser for BIO-6019Y Research Projects

Deputy Module Organiser for Human BIO-5004A Human Physiology 

Superviser to Level 6 Project Students

BIO Social and Wellbeing Officer

Member of the BIO Equality & Diversity Commitee 

COVID-19 Diagnostic Scientist. As well as an extensive career in academic biomedicine research, I have worked as a COVID-19 diagnostic scientist during the pandemic. Working in a team of highly skilled molecular biologists, I took part in the PCR testing of nasopharangeal swabs to reduce the enormous pressure placed on the NHS microbiology labs at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. This was a highly responsible role but I was extremely proud to have supported our local community during such a difficult time.