I graduated with a BSc Biochemistry (Toxicology) from the University of Surrey. This included a research project investigating the effect of a chemical found naturally in wine on colon cancer, and another looking at the effect of a food colouring on the thyroid. The course also included a ‘professional training year’ where I had a great time working as an industrial toxicologist for Clairol in New York. I stayed at Surrey for a short lab-based summer project looking at the effects of a medicine on the liver, funded by AstraZeneca. I then went on to do more academic study with a PhD with the Cancer Therapeutics team at the Institute of Cancer Research, which is part of the University of London.

After finishing my PhD, I joined the chemical risk assessment unit of the Food Standards Agency, as a regulatory toxicologist. This involved risk assessment and communication, managing research, and working with the UK’s independent advisory Committee on Toxicity. Recently, I moved to the Health Protection Agency, as a Senior Toxicologist, working more closely with the Government Committees on Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity, and advising on the risks associated with drinking water, contaminated soil and waste.

When I was at school, I used a careers software program that asked me questions about what I liked doing, then suggested a list of jobs. The program said that I’d really like every aspect of toxicology. I didn’t know what toxicology was, but when I read up on it, it sounded fascinating. The program was right and I still find it fascinating 15 years later!