I graduated in Zoology (BSc) from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and in Ecology (MSc) from The University of Wales, Bangor. My PhD at The University of Liverpool was followed by postdoctoral positions in the Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Group at the University of Hull. I joined LSTM in 2006 working as a senior PDRA on IVCC and then NIAID-funded projects on the genetic basis of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae. I was appointed as Reader in 2020.
Research
My research focuses on control of vectors of human disease, particularly Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. Work focuses primarily on studies of (a) insecticide resistance genomics, transcriptomics and development and application of diagnostic markers (b) vector population genetics and genomics to identify adaptation and barriers to connectivity and spread; (c) trials of vector control tools, including development and application of new monitoring methods. Current major projects involve trials of insecticide treated bednets in northern and south-eastern DRC (with the University of Kinshasa School of Public, INRB/PMI-VectorLink-Evolve, and other project partners), monitoring and trialling interventions to tackle invasive Anopheles stephensi in the Horn of Africa (CEASE programme), improving monitoring for dengue preparedness in West Africa, investigations of insecticide resistance mechanisms in African Anopheles gambiae (GAARD2 project), and Aedes aegypti from Brazil (Drivers project). I lead the Vector Research Support group at LSTM, which provides support and training in molecular techniques to external partners, with current projects involving support for trials of spatial repellent emanators in displaced persons camps in Yemen and Nigeria (in partnership with the MENTOR Initiative).
Teaching
I teach on various MSc and BSc modules at LSTM and am the MSc Vector theme lead.