In my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter (with year abroad at Monash University, Australia) I completed a computational research project and a module in computational biology and bioinformatics, both of which enabled me to combine my interest in the biological aspects of disease with my other strengths in mathematics and computer programing. 

Upon graduating from my undergraduate degree, I started a PhD as part of the BBSRC SWBio DTP which involved producing and fitting a spatial epidemiological metapopulation model for an infectious parasitic disease in sheep (sheep scab, caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis). I also developed economic models and spatial statistical models for Psoroptes ovis as well as other veterinary parasites (ticks and fleas).

As part of the DTP, I completed a secondment in DEFRA and the APHA during an Avian Influenza outbreak, which gave me experience in modelling and response to epidemics from a policy perspective. 

I now work as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, continuing my research into sheep scab. In the COVID-19 pandemic I have been responsible for the collection of social contact survey data to be used in COVID-19 modelling (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/research/groups/bidd/research/con-quest/) and am employed as part of the JUNIPER consortium (https://maths.org/juniper/) to carry out responsive COVID-19 modelling to be fed into  the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), both of whom advise the UK government on scientific matters relating to the UK’s response to the pandemic.