Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I have a degree and PhD in Chemical Engineer from Imperial College London. After spending several years at Imperial as a postdoctoral research associate, I came to King’s as a Lecturer in 2012 and then Senior Lecturer in 2018. I have taken various roles in the department. I was a module lead and year 2 lead in the MPharm programme, then I moved on to lead modules and then the programme in the Pharmaceutical Analysis Technology and Biopharmaceuticals MSc. I was the PGR coordinator of IPS for a couple of years before I became the School Education lead this year.
What is a typical day like for you?
Wake up first, have breakfast, then work a little bit at home. After that, I would get the less busy train to Paddington, then cycle to the College from there. After work, it is just the reverse, but switching breakfast for dinner.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Do not worry, just do your best; it is going to be fine.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
I have several projects aimed at understanding how living cells react when exposed to different substances, such as chemical compounds (e.g., drugs), bacteria, or pieces of microplastics. I study the changes that occur within cells using infrared light, which provides valuable information about their chemical composition. This allows me to determine if there are any cellular responses and to gain insights into their nature. Such knowledge can aid in the development of new medicines or simply enhance our understanding of the effects of these compounds on cells.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
Family walk, visiting places (gardens, museum etc), DIY, gardening, golf (if given the opportunity).
Who inspires you most and why?
Jesus, I am a Christian, reading the Bible helps me to reflect a lot on things about the meaning of life.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
Colleagues here are very open to collaboration.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Summer
Favourite book: Lord of the Rings
Favourite scientist: William Herschel. He discovered infrared, he is my favourite.
One thing you could not go a day without: A cup of tea in the morning.