While I originally began my scientific career as a Medical student at Durham University, I changed track and later realised that I was more interested in understanding the in-depth molecular mechanisms underlying biological and physiological processes. This led me to pursue an MRes and then a PhD in Biochemistry in Prof Dario Alessi’s lab, working on cancer signalling pathways, during which time I also had the opportunity to work with Prof Sir Philip Cohen on innate immune signalling. I continued my academic training as a postdoc in Prof Reuben Shaw’s lab at the Salk Institute in California where I dissected metabolic pathways involved in mitochondria production.

Now, as a new group head at the MRC LMS, I feel it’s the perfect time—and place—to connect back to my medical beginnings and apply my discoveries to achieving direct benefits for patients. The MRC LMS’s commitment to translation and multimorbidity aligns with my goal to bridge molecular insights with clinical applications, taking findings from ‘bench to bedside’.

Outside of work, I’m an enthusiastic traveller and amateur historian who loves exploring how history and culture shape our world. There’s something magical about ancient ruins and untold stories, and I’m drawn to the unique pasts and rich heritage of each place I explore.