My main focus relates to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer and a submit set of other cancers, including head & neck cancer.

I currently have a number of investigations into the role HPV is playing in the development of oro-pharyngeal carcinoma, which is a type of Head & Neck cancer. I currently have a clinical study with a number of east midlands hospitals, investigating the prevalence of HPV in tonsil tissue and the determine of early biomarkers of viral transformation. I am also researching peoples understanding of HPV and its role in Head & Neck cancer, to determine how to develop educational material that can enhance knowledge.

In my role as Associate Dean of Learning & Teaching, I am involved in a range of pedogogic research, with a main focus on how to effectively use student as co-creators and how to better support personalised learning within Higher Education. 

I joined Aston in 2018 as the Associate Dean for Learning & Teaching in School of Engineering & Applied Science. My key role at Aston is to ensure the teaching quality of the school provides all our students with an excellent taught experience whilst studying at Aston. I also support academic staff in their development of innovative teaching and professional development of their academic teaching practice. In addition, I liaise with regional employers to ensure our degree programmes have great support from businesses and also that our graduates have the correct training for their future career choices.

Before joining Aston, I was Head of Biosciences at the University of Derby, where my role was to lead and manage a group of academics and a degree portfolio related to the life sciences and public health area. Whilst at Derby I developed a range of new programmes so have experience in the design, implementation and running of degrees.

2018- to date: Associate Dean in Learning & Teaching, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Aston University, Birmingham, UK

2014-2018: Head of Biosciences, Deputy of Head of Department of Natural Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK

2012-2014: Senior Lecturer in Human Genetics, University of Derby, Derby, UK

2010-2012: Teaching fellow, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, UK

Research Fellow in Molecular Biology & Oncology 2000-2010, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Fellow of Royal Society of Biology

Senior Fellow of HEA

Determination of oral HPV prevelance in young adults - University of Derby

HPV rates of tonsillar tissue - University of Derby

HPV education - Aston University

Whitton Aimee - Derby University: HPV prevelance

Delary Craig - University of Birmingham: HPV life cycle

Pugh Alice - University of Birmingham: HPV life cycle

Professor Tim Drysdale- University of Edinburgh. Development of assessment diversity within STEM

Dr Helen May- York St John. Student experience and TEF

Assistant Professor Ian Tuner - University of Derby. Student experience

Chris Curtis - Swallows Head & Neck charity

Peter Jones - HPVaction.org

British Dental Assoication - HPV education

As AD in L&T my main roles is supportin the school with increasing their student experience. I still do some undergraduate teaching in Human Physiology, however my main roles are as follows:

Enhancing student experience, including TEF and NSS

Curricular design

Support and development of Technology Enhanced Learning

Development and support of HE quality procedures

Development and collobration of pedagogic initiatives and research

Support of staff HEA fellowships