Profile

I used to do athletics when I was younger and now try to keep active by going running and keeping the dogs entertained. Because I have to read a lot of academic and scientific literature for work, I quite enjoy a fashion or travel magazine and a good cup of tea and perhaps a biscuit or slice of cake :-).

I did my PhD in Cancer Biology, focussing on translating basic research findings into treatments that could ultimately reach patients in the clinics. This is an area of research called Translational Science. I subsequently spent many years working in Clinical Trial Research affiliated with a large University Hospital.

Many illnesses/diseases or developmental conditions have a genetic basis that either explain an individual’s developmental limitations and/or determine or increase the risk of developing a disease (including cancer) at some point in the future. However, we have come to know that environmental conditions also play a huge role in determining the extent of such ‘risks’, this is often referred to as the balance between nature (genes) and nurture (environment).

My current work largely involves using both my professional management experience and my academic knowledge base and scientific research experience to ensure that the courses and qualifications provided by The Open University remain current and incorporate state-of-the-art understanding and developments within my field of expertise.

My day-to-day work involves supervising a number of Associate Lecturers who teach on our courses in Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, dealing with student queries and complaints, developing new course materials, discussing shared issues and challenges with colleagues and attending management meetings. I am also engaged in research activities and disseminating scientific knowledge. I recently co-published an article on the potential use of natural marine products in prostate cancer treatment. In terms of active research, at the moment we are looking into the support and wellbeing needs of patients with non-smoking-related non-small cell lung cancer and their caregivers. People with non-smoking-related lung cancers typically develop cancers due to genetic mutations of 2 key genes, namely the gene for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the gene for the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) rather than exposure to irritants such as smoke or other pollutants like asbestos.