Primary Care & Health Sciences

I joined the Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre at Keele in August 2009 as a Research Assistant: Systematic Reviewer, from the Centre of Ageing and Mental Health at Staffordshire University where I was a Post-doctoral Research Officer involved in a project to evaluate the reconfiguration of Mental Health services in Sandwell.

Following an undergraduate degree in Zoology (Cardiff 1989) I completed a PhD in Zoology at Aberdeen University (1994) and subsequently held a number of Post-doctoral fellow positions as a field-based researcher studying a variety of mammals including bats and chimpanzees. 

My interest in health grew whilst working in Africa and led me to study for an MA in overseas development (Manchester University, 2002) with particular emphasis on the health implications of forced mass displacement.

My research interests are broad and cover

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Arthritis and related conditions

• Effectiveness of Alternative and Complementary therapies

• Currently studying for a BSc in Herbal Medicine (due to complete September 2012)

• Student Affiliate of the National Institute of Medicinal Herbalists

• Lay member of the Reiki Council