Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I was born in Hertfordshire and also spent time in Sheffield and Zurich. I did my undergraduate degree in physics with astronomy at University College London, and then my PhD in Medical Physics at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. After that, I moved to the USA to a postdoc at UCLA (Los Angeles, California) and enjoyed it so much I stayed 12 years (not all that time as a postdoc!).
I moved to UC Davis in 2001 and have had 25 amazing years there, but when I partially retired, I wanted to spend more time back in the UK. So when the opportunity came along to have an appointment at King’s and spend part of each year in London, I jumped at the chance, and it has been rejuvenating and a lot of fun already.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Pursue your dreams, it is amazing what is possible. At the same time, patience and perseverance are key because setbacks are inevitable. Trust in others, you’ll be amazed at the doors that open. Above all, be kind.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I play piano (not very well) and love gardening. I also really enjoy travelling the world, learning about other cultures and seeing nature in its many spectacular forms.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
So many things. At King’s, getting to know people better and starting exciting new research projects around the use of imaging for whole-person research. As well as exploring London again after 40 years away. And upcoming trips to Spain and the Philippines.
What is something positive that happened to you over the last year?
I just got elected to the Royal Society, which is an unbelievable honour.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Developing the field of total-body positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with my colleague Ramsey Badawi and now seeing the impact this is having on patients.
What is your favourite part of your role?
Mentoring early-career researchers and watching them grow and become successful.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite book: The Art of Living - Epictetus
Favourite scientist: Richard Feynman
Netflix (or TV) recommendation - The film Lost in Translation
One thing you could not go a day without: Chocolate