Science
My undergraduate research project was when I discovered a passion for science and the excitement of working at the cutting edge; of being able to ask, and hopefully answer, questions for the first time. There are many others who can say the same, and my experience makes me a huge supporter of undergraduate projects. Since that first exposure my research has focused on neural mechanisms of acute and chronic pain, including associations and interactions with affective states. Throughout my career my research has been funded continuously by grants from the RCUK and the Wellcome Trust, I have delivered undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, trained sixteen postgraduate students (all but three of whom have gone on to pursue research or medically-related careers) and have published 68 peer reviewed papers and review articles.

Career
Not what I expected at the start of the journey – I thought it was about being at the laboratory bench, I’m a scientist after all! An academic career is what you make it, it is multifaceted and you can explore all sorts of avenues that are intellectually stimulating and make best use of your skills. Currently, together with my collaborators, I run a vibrant research group and was, until recently, Head of School. Along the way I’ve taken on diverse management and scientific roles as outlined in the following time line.

Timeline