Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I have a background in Geography and Environmental Sciences. After contributing to public health projects, I joined a Canadian biobank as a research assistant. I then advanced to become the harmonisation task force coordinator for an organisation dedicated to developing tools that assist biobanks worldwide in standardising their work.
In 2010, a unique opportunity led me to the Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology at King’s. What began as an 11-month role has evolved into a rewarding career. Over the years, I’ve taken on various roles within the Data Team. I now manage the extensive data collected by TwinsUK.
What is a typical day like for you?
I start my day at around 06.00. As I get ready for the day and before the school drop-off, one of my favourite moments is sipping a coffee while reading stories to my son. If I'm working from home, I go for an early morning walk. On office days, I enjoy the bike ride to work.
My day usually involves a variety of tasks. I curate and organise the data collected from the twins, design tools to store and query this data, and interact with collaborators involved in longitudinal research and data linkage projects. In summary, I ensure our data is accessible to the researchers who need it. Each day is varied.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
Since 1992, TwinsUK has enrolled over 16,000 twins. In recent years, we have developed a programme that enables us to link twin data with their NHS health records within a secure research environment. As we roll out this project to our internal researchers, we are also working towards expanding the coverage of the linked data and broadening access to the King’s research community.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
Once a week, I join a pop choir that welcomes everyone, no audition required. This choir has opened incredible opportunities, such as singing in a video with Annie Lennox. The experience of singing with others is truly food for the soul.
Over the weekend, our family ventures to different parts of town, parks, exhibitions. We enjoy exploring London.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being a mum and raising my son is, without a doubt, my proudest achievement. It's a role that comes with its challenges, but it's incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Accomplish things in your own time. Life isn’t a race, but a journey.
QUICK-FIRE ROUND:
Favourite book: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, I got drawn into it as a teenager when I heard that it was Kurt Cobain’s favourite book.
Netflix recommendation: I've watched the Paddington sequel over 30 times with my son, and I still enjoy it every single time.
One thing you could not go a day without: My family & friends.
Describe yourself in three words: Pragmatic, a good listener and non-judgmental.