I qualified as registered nurse in 2003 following an initial grounding in Biological Sciences at Newcastle University.  Having practised and researched in the critical care environment, I moved to focus my career towards the management and delivery of clinical research trials across multiple clinical and disease specialties, but predominantly in the field of diabetes prevention and management. This allowed me to deliver cutting edge therapies to NHS patients, gaining a broad understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and extensive advanced clinical skills.

The arena of clinical trials enabled me to work collaboratively across the healthcare and pharma industries both nationally and internationally for over 10 years. I continue to collaborate with industry in the field of diabetes technology.

I was awarded the Alice Corey MRC research scholarship in order to undertake a Master of Clinical Research awarded by Newcastle University in 2011. I am currently studying for my PhD in Nursing Practice Development Research, exploring the biopsychosocial aspects and user acceptability of wearable glucose monitoring technology in adults with diabetes. I have published recent work focusing on diabetes and wellbeing, the evolution of diabetes technologies and the use of diabetes tech in people living with dementia and diabetes. 

I lead diabetes education at Northumbria University. Working closely with experts in practice in the delivery of diabetes education and research, enables me to maintain close links and contemporary understanding of the clinical care of people living with diabetes.

Expertise in teaching and learning practice is recognised through my award of Fellowship to the Higher Education Academy and leadership of the MSc in Health and Social Practice CPD post graduate pathways. 

I was member and Chair of the Royal College of Nursing National Diabetes Steering group (2018-2023) and have recently been accepted as a member of the European Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes (PSAD) study group, Open Digital Health, the Foundation of European Nurses in Diabetes (FEND) and am an associate member of Fuse - The Center for Translational Research in Public Health, demonstrating impact, engagement and collaboration, influencing policy and professional guidance at a national and international level.

I was involved in the COVID-19 national vaccination response both as a RHCP vaccinator, and as a vaccinator trainer. I continue to develop research activities around vaccination acceptance. 

• Diabetes mellitus
• Patient education - decision making, behaviours and choices.
• Health technologies: Wearables 
• Digital health
• Vaccination confidence