What did you study at A-level and why did you select those subjects?
Maths, Biology and French (with AS Level History). At the time, I had no idea about what I wanted to do for a career, so I kept it broad and chose the subjects that most interested me the most.
What degree and PhD did you study?
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Year Abroad at the University of Exeter and Monash University; PhD in Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease at the University of Bristol.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
I knew I wanted to do a STEM subject but found it difficult to choose between maths and biology. I eventually chose biology and was delighted to discover during my degree how mathematics can be applied to it. I undertook a mathematical biology undergraduate research project, which I loved—and that inspired me to pursue a PhD in this area.
What key skills did you learn at university?
During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong foundation in scientific thinking and data analysis, along with adaptability and cross-cultural communication through my year abroad.
My PhD deepened my quantitative and coding skills and taught me how to apply theory to real-world public health challenges—while also building resilience and independence as a researcher.
What jobs have you had during your career?
All my jobs have been within academia. I started as a PhD student, then became a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Bristol and the University of Oxford. I’m now a Lecturer in Mathematics for Health at the University of Liverpool!
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
In my current role, I lead my own research group, which gives me a lot of freedom to explore my own ideas and interests, to have real-world impact, and create a supportive environment for my team. I also teach university students, which I enjoy because they bring fresh perspectives and are at a stage where critical thinking and independent learning start to take shape.
Do you have an area of research?
My research group builds and analyses mathematical, statistical, and computational models of infectious disease outbreaks, often within a One Health framework (the interconnection between humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment). We use models to understand fundamental epidemiological processes and as predictive tools to improve global health and welfare.
What has been your most exciting project?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I contributed to research that supported the UK Government’s COVID-19 policy through the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), as part of the Joint UNIversities Pandemic and Epidemiological Research (JUNIPER) consortium.
This work required producing modelling outputs at an unusually rapid pace—far beyond the norm. It was a demanding period, but the collaborative spirit within the JUNIPER team made it possible to deliver results that were both timely and scientifically rigorous.
I'm proud to have contributed to translating complex data into evidence that supported critical public health decisions. It also introduced me to the importance of human behaviour in influencing disease dynamics—an area of research I've continued to explore post-pandemic.
What are your top tips for working in your sector?
Embracing interdisciplinary collaboration is vital, as infectious disease modelling sits at the intersection of mathematics, biology, public health, and social science.
All these areas are important, although not all have historically been included. For example, as I mentioned, human behaviour has only recently started to be integrated into these models, but it’s a crucial factor in influencing the likelihood and outcomes of outbreaks and epidemics.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of the work and its the real-world implications, it's also important to communicate effectively with diverse audiences—whether that's scientists within or outside your field, public health officials or the general public.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
This isn’t advice I was given directly, but something I’ve learned by observing some of the best mentors I’ve worked with: never hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem basic or you think you already know the answer. Often, the most senior or insightful people in the room are the ones willing to ask what others are afraid to.
I’ve come to realise that if I’m wondering something, there’s a good chance others are too—and asking can spark valuable discussions or take the conversation in new, unexpected directions. It’s helped me see that curiosity and openness often matter more than having all the answers. This is particularly important in research, where problems often appear straightforward at first but reveal their complexity as you delve deeper.
Any advice you’d like to share?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I can share is to actively seek out mentors and build a strong support network. Mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and sometimes simply a different perspective that can help you navigate challenges.
Alongside this, be proactive about your own growth—look for opportunities to develop new skills, attend events that interest you, and discuss your work with others. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment or for opportunities to come to you. Taking initiative in your career helps you build confidence, expand your network, and opens doors you might not expect.
Why are you passionate about your subject?
I’m passionate about my field because it perfectly blends the thrill of discovery with meaningful real-world impact. I love the challenge of uncovering new knowledge—building models that reveal hidden patterns in disease dynamics feels like solving a complex puzzle.
At the same time, knowing that my work can directly inform public health decisions and help save lives makes it deeply rewarding.
The constant evolution of the field means there’s always something new to learn or a fresh challenge to tackle, which keeps me engaged and curious. I also appreciate how mathematical biology combines logical analysis with creative problem-solving, allowing me to approach problems in a way that suits both my analytical and imaginative thinking.
More resources
- Department of Mathematical Sciences - Staff Spotlight
- Modelling Infectious Disease Dynamics And Control (Nixon Research group)