London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Tell us about your current research

I am a social scientist with a professional background in nursing, and I co-lead of one of the research themes of the HPRU in Immunisation – an ongoing collaboration between LSHTM and the UK Health Security Agency. My research investigates the interface between the provision of immunisation programmes and public experience of vaccines. My goals are to gain insights into reasons for disparities in vaccination uptake and use this evidence to collaborate with members of the public and health professionals to tailor and strengthen the delivery of immunisation programmes. For example, University of Bristol colleagues and I worked with young people to produce a teaching resource about HPV vaccination that aims to meet unmet information needs and overcome barriers to vaccination uptake. Currently, I am leading a study that is examining parent’s experiences of accessing BCG vaccination following a change to how this programme is delivered in England, and I am also involved in an evaluation of London Faith Health Forums and the role these can plan in ensuring that preventative health programmes are tailored appropriately for underserved communities.

How did you first become interested in vaccines?

I have been enthusiastic about vaccines ever since I worked on community-based health projects in Haiti in the 1990s. One of my jobs was to coordinate the delivery of EPI vaccination programmes in rural areas and train health workers. This really sparked my interest in vaccines.

Why did you decide you wanted to become Vaccine Centre Co-Director?

I have been part of the Vaccine Centre team since 2016, and I see being a co-director as a fantastic opportunity to network with others who are passionate about vaccination and learn from different disciplines. And, not to forget, it is fun!

What do you hope to achieve during your time as Vaccine Centre Co-Director?

My fellow co-directors, Brendan, Ed and I are committed to facilitate reciprocal learning across research disciplines and geographies and most importantly we are all committed to promoting vaccine equity. We have a unique opportunity to harness this shared commitment to run events which feature the contribution made by scientists and health professionals working across the LSHTM internal and external global network.

Where do you think your research will take you and how do you expect your work to develop?

Good question, for me it is all about designing and evaluating interventions or changes in practice that will help improve or reverse declines in vaccination uptake. I am keen to learn what colleagues in similar settings to the UK are doing to address health system related vaccination inequalities; how they are listening to communities and tailoring vaccination services to increase uptake amongst underserved populations. My direction in travel in the next couple of years will be to gain more expertise in evaluation methods and co-design research approaches. A broader subject area that fascinates me is how faith, religious practice and worldviews intersect with vaccination and other preventative health care behaviours.

What are some of the real-life implications of your work?

The research I conduct as part of the HPRU in Vaccine and Immunisations is responsive to public health priorities, which gives me the opportunity to influence policy and practice. For example, in October my research team and I presented findings from a mixed methods evaluation of the implementation of the new neo-natal BCG vaccination pathway to the UK Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (UK’s NITAG).

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Lots of walks with my two dogs and I am a triathlete of sorts 😊. My first love is swimming, especially in the open water although my winter dips always involve a wetsuit, waterproof socks, and a woolly hat!

PS: Ed and Brendan have agreed to do a triathlon relay with me in 2024. I will set us off in the water, Brendan will cycle, and Ed will run us across the finishing line – watch this space!

How can people get/ stay in touch with you?

Email me