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.

I have held a variety of roles in Global Academy to date, including Assistant Programme Director for the Pre-sessional English (PSE) programme, and Academic Language and Literacy Liaison (post-graduate) for the Henley Business School. I have also been involved in the digitisation of teaching materials and the maintenance of online learning environments for both the Foundation programme (home students), the Pre-sessional English programme, and the Academic English programme. I am actively involved in the Technology Enhanced Learning community of practice. I also enjoy reviewing written submissions as part of the InForm journal editorial board here at the University.

Over the years, the University has given me the space and support to grow as a professional by offering me a wide variety of roles according to my particular skills and interests. I have mostly been working on full-time contracts at the University of Reading, however I have taken part-time contracts too. This flexibility has enabled me to focus on completing my own research for my MA dissertation, while still working and remaining part of Global Academy. I appreciated the flexibility with my hours and workload during that busy time.

I am currently studying part-time for my Doctorate in Education (EdD) here at the University of Reading, while working full-time the Global Academy. It is a great comfort to me to feel secure in the knowledge that Global Academy will support me wholeheartedly in this endeavour.

My research is unusual as I do mathematical modelling of biological systems. I work alongside biologists, trying to use their data in novel ways.

I came to Reading in 2011 and have just done the first year of another three-year postdoctorate, which is funded by the British Heart Foundation.

I took up this change of career in later life. I was in the IT industry for a long time and did a degree with The Open University. I just loved studying mathematics so much, I decided to give up my career to do a PhD.

I live in Derbyshire, which makes life slightly complicated, but I work at home sometimes to alleviate some of the travelling. Mathematics is one of those lovely things you can do anywhere; on a train or at home. When I was offered the job, I mentioned the travel, and the University was really open to trying it and seeing how we got on – they've been great about it.

I would like to go on and get a permanent position, but I'm happy with what I'm doing; it's such a fascinating job.

One of the things I really enjoy about Reading is the flexibility. For example, over the summer months I take advantage of flexible working hours – called compressed hours – so I work from 8:00 until 6:00, four days a week during the summer, and that’s something I really appreciate.

I’m also supported in continuing my professional development, and recently I received a Science Council CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Award because of my training and development achievements. I think if there’s something you’re interested in doing – and it’s relevant to your role – you should flag it, because there’s no harm in asking.