I obtained a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology) at the University of Birmingham in 2010. I then worked as a Research Technician at the Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy and the Institute of Microbiology & Infection at the University of Birmingham for 11 years, investigating immune responses to Salmonella Typhimurium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively.

During my time as a research technician, I completed a part-time Master’s in Biomedical Sciences at Nottingham Trent University. Between January 2022 and July 2024, I worked as a part-time Research Assistant at Birmingham City University (BCU) supporting the Centre for Life and Sports Sciences, providing admin support to the centre, as well as identifying funding opportunities.

After joining BCU, I realised how much I missed working in the laboratory and I joined the Hall Lab as a Research Associate in July 2024. I have always been interested in the world of bacteria, particularly the gut microbiota and it’s impact on our immune system. My project looks at how Bifidobacterium may modulate the immune response in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.