Profile

I grew up in Yorkshire, with my mum, sister and grandparents. They have always been very supportive of me and my interests!

I found school quite difficult. I was very shy, very uncool, and struggled to make friends. Everything was different when I started university. I met lots of people who liked the same things as me, and I felt free to be myself!

I love all kinds of music and expressing myself with clothes and makeup. At work, I like to dress comfortably. At the weekends, I transform into a goth for going out to rock/metal/goth/emo gigs. Although… Lady Gaga is still my favourite singer!

Teaching science is another love of mine. I write a blog for PhD students to share their research with the world!

Our immune system is what works constantly to keep us healthy from infections. One type of infection, that is still very common in the world today, is intestinal worms. These parasites (like tapeworms and hookworms) infect your gut and cause a lot of damage.

We have one especially great defence mechanism against these invaders. MUCUS! Mucus is not just the snot in your nose, it is a special slime that covers lots of surfaces including your eyes, nose, lungs, stomach and intestines.

During a worm infection, the immune system can control mucus. It will make more of it, and make special types that can combat worms.

In my research, I want to understand exactly how your immune system controls mucus layers.

As a PhD student, I can control my own schedule. Some days I come in early to get lots done, and sometimes I can have a sleep-in. I always try to have a good breakfast, so I don’t end up eating my lunch by 10am!

Research involves lots of different tasks. There is plenty of lab work, where I do experiments. But there is also emailing, going to talks, preparing presentations, looking at my data, and writing. Each day can look very different for me, and I have to make sure I write everything down on my calendar!

I try to finish work by 4pm, but there are always some days where there is lots to do! After, I go to the gym a lot and do weightlifting. I also recently started dance class which is lots of fun!

After that, I go home and relax with a nice big pasta dinner and play some videogames with my friends.