I studied Biology with French at the University of St Andrews, where I later completed a PhD and postdoctoral research under the supervision of Professor Malcolm White. My research focused on understanding the structure and function of proteins involved in the CRISPR immune system in the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus.

Following this, I joined the University of Exeter as a research fellow, working with Professor Edze Westra to investigate the ecology and evolution of bacteria–bacteriophage interactions in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In 2020, I took up my current role as a Lecturer in Learning, Teaching and Scholarship in the School of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow.

I am also actively involved in widening participation and schools outreach as a STEM Ambassador.

My laboratory research has focused on:

• Protein structure and function

• The prokaryotic CRISPR immune system

• Mobile genetic elements

• Bacteria–bacteriophage interactions

In my current role, I am broadening my research to include education and scholarship. My interests lie in making bioinformatics more accessible to undergraduate students, enhancing reflective practice within the life sciences, and incorporating more active learning strategies into teaching.

Research groups

• Host Parasite Interactions & Pathogenesis
• Educational Research & Scholarship
• Molecular Genetics
• Protein Structure & Regulation  

I collaborate with colleagues in the School of Molecular Biosciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine to lead final-year bioinformatics projects focused on understanding unusual veterinary infections. Combining my interests in both art and scientific research, I have also initiated a cross-disciplinary collaboration with the Glasgow School of Art to develop biopigments for textile dyeing.

I coordinate the Level 1 Current Directions in Life Sciences course and serve as deputy coordinator for the Level 2 Fundamental Topics in Biology core course, as well as for Levels 3 and 4 of the Molecular & Cellular Biology degree programme.

I teach across the life sciences curriculum—from Level 1 to postgraduate level—with a primary focus on molecular biology. I’m passionate about delivering research-led, up-to-date teaching and committed to enhancing student outcomes and experience. Recently, I have been involved in the development and evaluation of the MVLS Undergraduate Skills Award, which encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities and gain formal recognition for their efforts.

Professional & learned societies

• 2024: LearnHigher Committee member, UK Association for Learning Development in Higher Education

Selected international presentations

• 2024: Royal Society of Biology Scotland’s Teachers’ Meeting (Glasgow, UK)
• 2024: Glasgow School of Art, Creative Education as a Creative Sustainable Practice (Glasgow, UK)