My first degree was in Biochemistry at Sheffield University. After a PGCE, I taught for three years in a secondary school in Derbyshire. I returned to Sheffield University for a PhD, studying the role of essential fatty acids in tissue function. I then spent five years carrying out postdoctoral research at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. My two main projects were: The role of copper and pyrrolizidine alkaloids in causing Indian Childhood Cirrhosis and Mutation testing in the copper associated genetic disorder Wilson’s Disease. During my time as a post-doc I was also an honorary lecturer at the Centre for Human Nutrition, then based at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield. I joined the University of Huddersfield in 1996. I have had various roles during my time here and I am currently the course leader for the MSc Nutrition and Food Sciences. I am a member of the Biochemical Society, the Nutrition Society and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. My research interests at present are on the beneficial effects of flavonoids in dark chocolate and green tea. I contribute topical biology and nutrition articles to two local newspapers on a regular basis and I am involved in various Outreach activities with local schools.

Nutrition and Food Sciences