I joined the University in 2006 as a Teaching Fellow, before becoming a lecturer. I have always liked the green environment at the University. Few people can boast that their law school looks out on a lake!
I teach the public law courses, a constitutional law module, administrative law and human rights. I also teach legal philosophy and a University-wide module called "Liberty" with input from classics, history and philosophy.
I work in the Department of Meteorology, researching major changes in climate in the past. Through this research we can understand the impact past climates had on prehistoric people, as well as the impact these people had on the climate.
My partner, Richard, is also an academic, which can make family life tricky because we both travel a fair bit and work rather long and odd hours. It helps, though, that the work is interesting and enjoyable, and that the University supports flexible working.
I started as an Assistant Research Development Manager in January 2016. We work with researchers who wish to apply for research funding and support them with their applications. I was a student here before (studying politics and international relations) and graduated in 2003, so it's nice to come back.
I'd been working for various NHS trusts for about six years and felt that I wanted a change from NHS research into university research. We're lucky because we get to see lots of fresh research that is coming through in the very early stages.
It was quite serendipitous how I entered higher education. I feel it has given me so many opportunities to develop as a person, but also to do research, work with other people, and go out and make a difference.
I grew up in Whitley, which is close to the University. I left school with not very good qualifications but ended up going to night school when I was a single mum. I loved studying and used to go as a hobby.
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
