What is your role within research?

I am the Director of the Centre for Musculoskeletal Health Research, and I am a researcher on a number of projects. I currently lead a large programme of research here at Keele, and work in multidisciplinary teams on other research projects.

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

My day usually includes some research project meetings, either on Teams or face to face. These may include planning a new project, developing a grant application, assessing how a current project is going, discussing results etc. Most days I will also have a draft paper or report from one of our projects, or a draft of a grant application or book chapter, to read and give comments on. I regularly meet 1:1 with colleagues, to discuss their work and their plans. I also work with collaborators throughout the UK and overseas on research projects and papers, which sometimes involves visiting their research teams as well as online meetings and emails. And of course, I have (many) emails to go through, and meetings to attend such as Research Committees and meetings about the Centre for Musculoskeletal Health Research and its members.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy seeing answers to our questions that emerge from our research. Especially, as an epidemiologist, finding out new patterns of health and diseases, and thinking about how we can use our findings to improve health. It is great when you see how your research has influenced clinical practice or helped people to feel better. I also enjoy seeing colleagues develop in their careers and confidence, and supporting them where I can.

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

My first degree was in Geography, where I specialised in medical geography. I then moved into a Public Health role in the NHS, where I did an epidemiology course. I never looked back - I got a research assistant role as an epidemiologist, and have progressed since then, gaining an MSc and PhD along the way, and finally becoming Professor of Epidemiology.

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

Most of my research career has been at Keele - I first started here in 1995 as a research assistant. I left to do VSO in India for a couple of years, then returned to Keele to do my PhD, and I've been here ever since. I have spent time in other institutions during my time here, and have lots of national and international collaborators, so not all of my research is carried out at Keele.

Please tell us about research projects you are involved with.

Most of my research has focused on common musculoskeletal pains, things like back pain, knee pain and foot pain. I spent a long time conducting research with adults, but many of them told me that they had experienced pain throughout their life, which led to my more recent move into studying musculoskeletal pain in children and young people. My primary expertise is epidemiological studies, but I also have experience in clinical trials and qualitative research. All of my research is carried out in multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians and methodology specialists, plus involvement with patients and the public.