I am an NIHR academic clinical lecturer specialising in infectious diseases and microbiology. My principal research interest is in how bacteria found in the nose and throat cause brain infections, as well as the host inflammatory response to these infections when they occur.
Following medical training at the University of Cambridge and King’s College London, I completed the distance learning MSc in Infectious Diseases at LSHTM exploring the role of complement in immunity to S. pneumoniae infection. I then attained an NIHR Academic Clinic Fellowship followed by a Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellowship, completing my PhD I on the interaction of S. pneumoniae, endothelial cells and vascular pericytes at the blood-brain barrier in S. pneumoniae meningitis at UCL.
In addition to my scientific work, during my lectureship I hope to improve the experience of current clinical-academic trainees, and clinical trainees interested in research. I am working to increase mentorship for early and mid career clinical researchers working in Infection, as well as fostering the formation of peer networks and role modelling to support women and trainees with caring responsibilities.
Affiliations
Teaching
I currently teach at both UCL and LSHTM and am undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching.
At LSHTM, I lecture on the MSc in medical microbiology, am a tutor on the DTM&H and a tutor & examiner for IDM205 'Healthcare Acquired Infections'. At UCL, I lecture undergraduates on 'How Bacteria Cause Disease' and provide tutorials as part of the 'Infection and Defence' course.
I also mentor for the Social Mobility Foundation.
Research
My principal research interest is in pyogenic brain infection. I have recently been awarded an ESCMID project grant to undertake work in collaboration with UKHSA exploring the epidemiology, genome and virulence of Streptococcus intermedius, with particular focus on brain abscesses. I am also interested in the pathogenesis of the Streptococcus anginosus group (formerly milleri) and pyogenic infection of the brain and pleural space more broadly.
I have clinical research interests in the microbiology of paediatric infection, central line associated bloodstream infection and infection in the context of immunosuppression, and have ongoing projects in these areas.
Selected Publications
