What is your role within research?

I am a senior academic in the School of Medicine, specialising in clinical biochemistry and public involvement. 

Can you tell us a bit about your role at Keele? What does a typical day look like for you?

I am involved in leading research programmes and applying for funding, writing for scientific publications, and also I do community engagement and involvement work. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The diversity of work I am involved in. The collaborations with members of the public and colleagues at Keele and elsewhere. The buzz of getting a grant bid funded or paper accepted for publication.

What is your background? How did you first get involved in research?

I did my PhD at Keele and continued my research as an honorary Keele affiliate in combination with my full-time clinical role as a Clinical Biochemist at University Hospitals of the North Midlands. 

Is your role at Keele your first involvement in research, or do you have previous experience in other roles?

While this is my first role as a substantive Keele employee, I have had an honorary research connection with Keele for nearly 40 years.

Please tell us about research you are involved with.

1. The development of INSIGHT - a quality recognition and awards programme that promotes and celebrates improvement in the quality of how organisations involve members of the public in health and social care research.
2. Diabetes testing - a project to improve the health of people with diabetes by optimising regular blood testing in those with sub-optimally controlled diabetes. This includes: 
   1. Utilising clinical laboratory data to identify people at high risk and support GPs in improving monitoring
   2. Developing a home testing kit to make collection of blood samples more convenient
   3. Developing a risk prediction model for women with a history of diabetes in pregnancy to target support for those at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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