My job title is Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science Programme Co-ordinator and my role is to ensure the Centre runs as smoothly as possible and continues to develop and grow as a great place to work. I support the Senior Leadership Team helping with grant applications, recruiting new staff and students, contracts, financial management, Centre strategy, and in the last year we set up the ACHDS Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Group. I'm also a tutor for the Health Informatics module of our MSc programme.
What brought you to the University of Aberdeen?
I came to the university as an undergraduate in 1988 and did a degree in Biochemistry (Immunology). I worked with the Bone Research Group after my degree and loved working in the lab so did a PhD with the Bone Group and Ophthalmology looking at nitric oxide in autoimmune eye disease. I've worked at the University in various roles since.
What is your current focus?
I've been involved in a lot of PPIE activities recently with Magda Rzewuska as part of the Networked Data Lab (one of our research programmes). It's been great to get to know our PPIE group and see their insights and input enhance all aspects of the research we do, from commenting on research ideas and grant proposals, reviewing study questionnaires and research outputs, to helping us talk about and present our research in a more accessible way.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My role is really varied which is great but the best thing about my job is definitely the people! I get to work with so many amazing people who all bring their own expertise to the research process and the brilliant research we do to improve people's lives. Helping to create a supportive working environment is really important to me. Research is great but navigating a research career is never easy and one of the things I've always been really passionate about is supporting early career researchers whether that is just being available for practical help to understand processes or as a mentor I really enjoy this part of my role.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time to relax?
We live near the beach on the north side of the River Don so one of my favourite things is to walk on the beach as often as possible. It's really beautiful.
What made you choose this career?
Research to better understand health and illness and to improve services and lives is fascinating and much as I don't do research myself anymore I help make it happen.
If you could go back in time and choose a different career, what would you choose and why?
I have a list of potential book titles and ideas to think about 'some day' so if I could go back in time maybe I'd be a writer.
What do you think is the most challenging part about your job?
It never feels like there is enough time for all the good ideas we have.
What is an accomplishment in life you are proud of?
My 2 boys for sure. I like to think I played some part in them becoming the lovely people they are.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I'm constantly inspired by so many people but my husband has probably inspired me most - he has such a great sense of what's important in life and what's right and fair.
