About me
I am a clinician scientist specialising in infectious diseases and medical microbiology. I am interested in applying cutting-edge tools in genomics and data science to improve the management of serious infections.
This website gives an overview of my past and current research projects and news on my latest publications and other research activities and outputs.
Background
I was passionate about science from a young age and decided pretty early on that I wanted to be a doctor (originally I wanted to do neurosurgery - then I became fascinated by parasitic worms and settled on infection). I have combined clinical medicine with research ever since starting my medical degree at Cambridge University in 2007. I undertook the Cambridge MB/PhD Programme, spending 9 years gaining an undergraduate degree in biomedical science, a medical degree and a PhD focusing on malaria parasite genetics. I then worked as a resident doctor in Brighton and the East of England region. I extended my clinical training by undertaking postdoctoral research on pathogen genomics at Cambridge University and the Wellcome Sanger Institute. I was pleased to become a post-doctoral by-fellow at Churchill College in 2024, 17 years after starting my medical training there.
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Currently, I am a clinical lecturer in medical microbiology at Cambridge University and an honorary specialist registrar in infectious diseases and medical microbiology at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Clinically, I work in both the infectious diseases and microbiology departments at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, seeing patients with complex infections, advising on infection diagnosis and treatment, and working with the microbiology laboratory. My research is outlined further below.
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When not at work, I enjoy keeping fit, being in nature, music, dancing, and spending time with my friends and family.
My research
The goal of my research is to combine microbial genomics with other types of data (eg. patient, clinical, epidemiological) to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of infectious disease. I am interested in clinically applied research that can be traslated into tangible benefits for patients.
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Pathogens and their human hosts are engaged in a co-evolutionary dynamic relationship. As we apply antimicrobial drug pressure to treat infections, so we select for the microorganisms that are best able to survive. In the face of intense pressure from our medical interventions, often the last bug left standing is the most resistant. Antimicrobial resistance is therefore becoming an increasing problem worldwide. Using data to select the best antimicrobials - tailored for each patient and each bug - is essential.
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I use techniques in microbial whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, genomic epidemiology, bioinformatics, medical statistics and machine learning, to study how pathogens spread, cause disease and respond to interventions such as antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. I have investigated multiple pathogens including malaria parasites, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and multidrug resistant bacteria. In my current research projects, I am supporting colleagues in West Africa to establish systems of malaria parasite genetic surveillance, and I am investigating infections in patients with blood cancer, who are especially vulnerable to infection because of changes in their immune system.
Career timeline
2024-current
Post-Doctoral By-Fellow, Churchill College, University of Cambridge
2024
Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)
University of Glasgow
2023
Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (DTM&H)
University of Cambridge
2022-current
Clinical lecturer in medical microbiology
2021
Gold Medal for Research award, Royal College of Pathologists
2021-2024
Senior staff scientist, Wellcome Sanger Institute (part-time)
2020
Began specialist training in infectious diseases and medical microbiology, East of England region
2019
Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP)
2018-2021
Academic Clinical Fellow, East of England region.
Encompassed core medical training.
2016-2018
Academic foundation programme,
Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
2007-2016
University of Cambridge
Cambridge MB/PhD Programme. Graduated with Cambridge MA (2010), PhD (2015), and medical degree (MBBChir, 2016).
Contact
Email:
ORC ID:
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