Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I did my undergraduate in New Zealand in exercise science and physiology. During my degree I got involved in some research studies and was drawn in. On graduating, I got a trainee role as a respiratory physiologist in the primary children’s hospital in New Zealand. In this role I performed lung function testing and sleep analysis in children with a range of diseases. I enjoyed working in the hospital and got to do more research.
I have always enjoyed travelling though and wanted to move overseas, so I did my masters in Canada, prior to moving to the UK in 2015.
Over the last 10 years I have had a series of roles from research assistants upwards which has brought me to my current role as Centre Manager. Being in a range of roles, I have learnt so much about research management and the broader ecosystem across university and NHS partners. It is great to combine all of these skills in a varied role like this one where there is oversight in so many different areas.
What do you think people in the Faculty would find most surprising about you?
I played underwater hockey during my first year of university and was part of the bronze medal team at the national championship.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I tend to throw myself into a sporting endeavour of some sort. A few years ago I got really into ultra endurance cycle racing. This meant a lot of weekends cycling around the UK and I ended up doing a 1,600 km race around the west coast of Ireland. I still do a lot of cycling, although over much shorter distances.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
The KHP Centre for Translational Medicine has been fully operational for a year now and a lot of the processes have been standardised. Over the next year it will be great to see where else the Centre can help support Translational Medicine across King's Health Partners and I am looking forward to working on some of these ideas.
What is something positive that happened to you over the last year?
I started this role in February 2024, so have been in the role just over a year. It has been a step up for me and I have been enjoying the challenge.
I did also get married in the last year which was great fun to bring all our friends and family together from multiple countries for a big weekend of celebrating.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
I enjoy that I get to work with such a wide variety of people most days from across the University and health care trusts. I also love knowing the work I do supports many people to have a real impact on the care people receive in South East London and beyond.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I really enjoy making connections, networking between partners and looking for opportunities to collaborate. It is really rewarding when a collaboration comes together or I am able to connect colleagues who might not have worked together before.
Quick-fire round:
Favourite season: Summer! Growing up in New Zealand, I love the beach.
Coffee order: Oat flat white
The last time you laughed really hard: Watching 'Last one Laughing' recently – was in tears
Your pet peeve: Fellow public transport users not using headphones