2003-present day school of Tropical Medicine.
I joined the School of Tropical Medicine in 2003 in the department of vector biology as a research technician. During my time at LSTM I have worked for the IVCC and then on an NIH grant to develop a field test kit insecticide resistance
2000-2003 Research Technician, Roy Castle International Centre for Lung Cancer Research (RCICICR).
1998-2000 Development Scientist, Celltech / Medeva.
1994-1998 BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology, from Liverpool John Moores University
Research:
I am well versed in various molecular techniques (for the genotyping of field-collected insects) such as PCR, RFLP, RNA work, DNA quantification, sequencing, cloning, Taqman assays and microsatellite analysis. I have also established protocols for multiple DNA extractions and diagnostic PCRs and routinely assist in the evaluation of new molecular protocols.
My experience processing and analysing both field collected and laboratory based insecticide-treated materials via ‘in-house’ developed IQK (Insecticide Quantification Kits) and HPLC methods has allowed me to participate in cross-cutting research themes within different research groups. I have also contributed technical support for LSTM-based and field-based insectaries to maintain mosquito colonies including insecticide selections of experimental crosses / iso-female lines.
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I also work with the LSTM tsetse colony and I am currently helping to establish a sandfly colony at LSTM. My research project now focuses on cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular the vector competence, insecticide resistance and host preferences of sandfly vectors where I assist in the evaluation of new molecular protocols. I am also responsible for the running and resourcing of the trypanosomiasis & leishmaniasis research Laboratory
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Female phlebotomine sandfly (left) and a dieuresing tsetse (right) after obtaining a bloodmeal
Credit: Ray Wilson
Teaching
I am a demonstrator for LSTM MSc courses: Biology and Control of Parasites and Disease Vectors and Molecular Biology of Parasites and Disease Vectors.
I also instruct visiting scientists on the various molecular techniques (such as PCR, qPCR & Taqman assays) we use at LSTM and providing technical assistance (TA) (LSTM and in situ) for external groups are highly rewarding activities. I was involved in capacity building and training at a Tanzanian research facility.