I studied BSc (Hons) Biochemistry & Pharmacology at Southampton University (1992-95), after an interest in the biology of genes and DNA was sparked during my A-level studies in Brighton. My doctoral work at Southampton (1995-98) was funded by the Cancer Research Campaign (now CRUK) and was carried out in the laboratory of Prof Keith Fox. Here I used DNA footprinting techniques to investigate the formation and stability of three-stranded (triplex) DNA structures. This was followed by a postdoctoral position at Bristol University (1998-2004) funded by the Wellcome Trust. Here, I worked in the laboratory of Prof Stephen Halford and examined DNA looping proteins, Type II restriction enzyme diversity, and DNA target-site location by proteins. I joined the staff of the School of Biological Sciences at University of Portsmouth in January 2005, where I am Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry.

My main teaching areas include biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, nucleic acid structure, protein-DNA interactions, cell metabolism and enzymology. I have a strong pedagogic interest in enhancing the value of laboratory classes. I teach on six undergraduate units, one postgraduate course and is coordinator for the 1st yr unit 'Experimental Biology' and 2nd yr unit 'Biochemistry'. As well as supporting tutees and project students, in my spare time I help with Admissions duties, Open Days, School & College outreach work and am Radiation Protection Officer for Biology.