Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I grew up in Lewes in East Sussex before going to Cambridge University to study Natural Sciences. I stayed in Cambridge to complete my PhD in the Genetics Department investigating the genetic control of early development of the embryo. I then moved to the University of California, Berkeley as a postdoctoral scientist where I began my career-long interest in understanding how the nervous system forms. I use the fruit fly Drosophila as a model organism to identify and study the genes that dictate how the nervous system is ‘wired-up’ during embryonic development. I returned to the UK in 1996 as an MRC Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College, London before moving to the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology at King’s as Senior Lecturer four years later. I was promoted to Professor of Molecular Neurobiology in 2004. In recent years I have become more focused on the delivery of education and served as Head of Biochemistry Education (2007-2015 and 2022-2024) and Head of Genetics Education (2015 – 2022). I currently co-chair the Student Experience Standing Committee.
What do you think people in the School would find most surprising about you?
I have completed several marathons including two London marathons. I am also an active lifelong member of the Commercial Square Bonfire Society in Lewes.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Be confident in yourself. Your views and ideas are as valid as anyone else’s.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
Alongside Sarah Tattam (Student Experience Manager) and Sam Thenabadu (MBBS Programme Director), I am currently co-Chair of the Faculty’s Student Experience Standing Committee. We are working with colleagues and students from across the Faculty to identify initiatives and measures that will improve the overall experience for all students on the wide variety of programmes that we run. We are improving our communication strategies with students and other stakeholders to allow us to deliver sustainable improvements in education provision and our facilities. We are establishing a programme of interventions at multiple levels that will result in sustainable long-term improvements in student experience.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, going to the theatre, visiting new places and following Charlton Athletic.
Who inspires you most and why?
I have had the good fortune to be inspired by a great number of scientists over my career. These have been my teachers, mentors, collaborators and colleagues, and have included Nobel Prize winners as well as technical support staff. However, my greatest inspiration was my undergraduate biological sciences tutor, Douglas Barker, who inspired me to begin a career in the biosciences.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being the parent of four great children.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
The collegiate and positive working environment. The opportunity to interact with colleagues and students to drive success in research and education.
What is your favourite part of your role?
Engaging with students to allow them to reach their personal ambitions.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Summer
Favourite cuisine: Thai
Coffee order: Cappuccino
One thing you could not go a day without: Tea
The last photo on your phone: My wife and I on the red carpet for a Gala performance at the BFI