Faces of Reading

I completed my PhD in 2009 and am continuing my snakebite/venom research, as well as researching cardiovascular diseases.

We're currently developing a diagnostic tool and improved therapeutic strategies for snakebites because they are causing lots of problems in developing countries like India. Antivenoms are sometimes administered even if it's not a venomous snakebite, which can be dangerous.

In addition to teaching pharmacology, I teach about snake venoms and bites in an optional module for biological sciences students, which I'm really pleased about. In 2016, I won the Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) Research Inspired Teaching Excellence Award, and in 2022 won the RUSU Teaching Excellence Award for Life Sciences – both via student nominations.

In addition to research in labs, I (together with numerous collaborators) am also involved in improving public awareness about snakes and snakebites in rural areas, and developing new policies to improve snakebite management in India. Over the last few years, we have engaged with over seven million people via multifaceted approaches using traditional and social media, as well as direct outreach activities in schools, colleges and rural villages. We also proved that our campaign has been successful in reducing snakebite-induced deaths, disabilities and socioeconomic burden in selected regions by improving the treatment-seeking behaviour of rural communities. For this work, I received the University's prestigious, Research Engagement and Impact Award in 2018. I am delighted that we are making real changes in snakebite management on the ground, and this was the primary reason why I came to Reading originally.

As well as supporting lots of students here, I also support some in India. I run a small charity to provide financial support for students who finish school but can't afford to go to university. I'm also the Warden at Mackinder Hall and I'm enjoying it. The University of Reading is my home; I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals here while supporting the growth of the University.

In those early weeks, being open about how I felt and what I needed made a real difference – it allowed me to show up with confidence. It helped that colleagues in my wider network were hugely supportive too – genuinely excited to hear about my little one and how he’s settled with us.

Working part time can be intense. You have to be laser-focused and well-planned to get everything done, and there’s often limited time for the 'nice stuff' in the flurry of emails and meetings. But it’s worth it – especially knowing I still have a job I love when my son starts school in September, in a workplace that supports the realities of family life.

As well as my two regular clubs, I teach a group of pupils with learning disabilities once a month.

I started training in martial arts when I was 15 and really enjoyed it; I'm now a black belt, 3rd Dan. I found it beneficial to me physically, because I have cerebral palsy, and it helped with socialising as well.

I was lucky enough to be taught by a very good instructor, he is now the other instructor at the club and still trains me.

I'm in a wheelchair occasionally, but at work I'm sat down behind the desk most of the time with supportive staff around me. If I'm struggling a bit, there's always a way round it. Everyone is helpful and friendly, which always makes things easier.

I'm always keen to take opportunities to put on martial arts demonstrations to share it with the University and wider local community.

The thing I enjoy most about Reading is the School I work in, both the staff and the students. Everyone is supportive and friendly and will stop to have a chat. We do our work but we also do have time to catch-up as well. Because I’m the Programmes Director, I also get involved with the Reading University Construction Society (RUCS), as well as the University's Ghana Student Society.

I’ve been given the opportunity to grow in what I do, and I think Reading gives everyone that opportunity – you just have to be yourself, and take it. Regardless of where you come from, grasp the opportunity and go with it.