In my current role of Technical Manager, I have a small team and together we run all the undergraduate classes for food microbiology and support research in the Food Biosciences building.
I've been at Reading since I graduated in 2001. I worked in heart disease research for four years and then I moved to microbiology in 2005.
I work in the Department of Meteorology, researching major changes in climate in the past. Through this research we can understand the impact past climates had on prehistoric people, as well as the impact these people had on the climate.
My partner, Richard, is also an academic, which can make family life tricky because we both travel a fair bit and work rather long and odd hours. It helps, though, that the work is interesting and enjoyable, and that the University supports flexible working.
I joined the University in 1989 as a Lecturer, then became a Senior Lecturer in 1998, until I was accorded a Personal Chair in 2005. I specialise in food engineering, specifically applying my training in chemical engineering to food products and manufacture.
Having been at Reading for over three decades, I've seen a lot of change - but one thing that hasn't altered is the collegiate environment. The University is very supportive, and it's always been very collegiate - particularly in my Department - and I've really enjoyed that.
I have been at Reading since 1987; I started out as a Lab Technician and in the early '90s I got the opportunity to become a glassblower.
I'm the only glassblower on campus. I design, make, modify and repair scientific laboratory glassware for both teaching and research for the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy and other University departments, as well as outside companies.
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
