Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I am amused to learn there are multiple terms for my unusual career path – “entrepreneur based”, “slash/portfolio”, and “non-linear” leading to my current “expert/knowledge based” role as Business Engagement & Communications Manager at DNA@King’s, King’s Forensics.
I have worked in business and creative media in various organisations. I secured Princes Trust and other funding to set up a music recording studio complex in my twenties after working in advertising photography as an agent and studio manager. I freelanced as a photographer, production manager, business and financial manager throughout having three children.
I decided to embark on my degree later in life and loved the academic and artistic challenges and being a mentor to the younger students. I came to King’s twelve years ago as a Postgraduate Programme Developer from a temporary part time administrative position at Queen Mary where I first met Professor Denise Syndercombe Court, Head of the accredited DNA testing laboratory and forensic genetics research and teaching team.
I have been supported and encouraged to be entrepreneurial and utilise my business, marketing and communications expertise to develop the DNA@King’s service. Excellent training programmes available at King’s have enriched my skills and enabled me to lead on other special projects, for example, producing two successful online education programmes (MOOCS) in Forensic Science and Anti-Doping in Sport Science for FutureLearn.
My career path and experience with professionals and students has positioned me well to deliver lectures in Professional Development and Project Management to our undergraduate and postgraduate students, and to set up a mentoring programme with pastoral support.
I believe a positive approach to knowledge sharing and training, especially through the King’s Managers network, helps me to continually develop my role and expertise at a more senior level.
What is a typical day like for you?
Each day brings something new and rewarding. I start early working from home checking casework and communications received overnight from across the world. Once I arrive on campus I check in with my team and their wellbeing and together we assign priorities for the day. I deal with incoming forensic case enquiries from the public, legal professionals, police and forensic agencies. Sometimes there are complex cases such as criminal cold cases and human identification projects.
I manage the DNA@King’s sample collection clinic and enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories.
I schedule in time for checking and promoting social media and other news and communications stories relevant to King’s Forensics. At the end of the day I catch up with my manager to review ongoing casework and plan our strategy for upcoming projects.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
The idea for this project came from a conversation with a colleague at the One King’s Impact (OKI) workshop a year ago. I am a PI on the Refugee Family Reunion (RFR) Project funded by OKI to set up a new RFR Legal Clinic with partners at Dickson Poon School of Law, Refugee Legal Support, Sanctuary Programme and our team at DNA@King’s. We are seeking to strengthen the impact priority of peace and justice in a turbulent world by developing a new legal service providing legal assistance and DNA analysis and support for refugee families seeking reunion. We will produce research that contributes to policy reform aiming to develop fairer and more compassionate safe pathways. We are incorporating education and training for undergraduate students to post doctoral researchers. We recently hosted a successful workshop which has already led to impact and representation in the Home Office and House of Lords. The first stage of the project will complete in autumn this year.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
Deliver a training programme to mental health professionals and carers for those working with people with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), ADHD and autism, and run a support group for carers. I am also a Charity Administrator for the British Academy of Forensic Sciences. I do love a mindful forest bathe to reset and enjoy peaceful moments.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Hosting an impactful King’s Forensics Symposium 2025 to be introduced by our Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Shitij Kapur, and special guests from government, Ministry of Justice, FBI, World Anti-Doping Agency and many others including our own PhD students presenting their research – save the dates: 28 and 29 April at Bush House.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Recently I set up and now lead the King’s Managers professional network, which actively encourages an inclusive membership comprising aspiring, current and senior managers across King’s. We have an impressive Steering Committee and I am proud to bring together a diverse membership of 350 and growing across all levels of roles at King’s with a highly successful recent launch conference.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
The opportunities to get involved with impactful initiatives across the College, for example, as a member of Staff 100 and Professional Networks Steering Committee. Great for networking and learning from others.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee – a still relevant, modern story with forensic detail and excellent courtroom descriptions
Favourite scientist: Dr Rosalind Franklin for discovery of the structure of DNA and Photo 51
One thing you could not go a day without: Gratitude – at the end of each day I choose at least three things I am grateful for
Describe yourself in three words… Positive, empathetic, creative