• Lecturer in Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (2003-present).
• Director of Studies and College Tutor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural Sciences and Medical/Veterinary Sciences Tripos, Clare College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK (1997-2003).
• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK (1997-2003).
  Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Cellular Physiology, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK (1993-1996). 
• Research Associate, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK (1987-1993).

• Post-graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PGCE), Department of Education, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (2006).
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK (1994).
• Degree in Biological Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy (1986).

1- Molecular dynamics of the outer membrane protein TolC.

Cellular membranes act as semipermeable barriers to ions and macromolecules and specialized mechanisms of transport are required for protein translocation. The outer membrane channel protein TolC plays a major role in Type I secretion of toxins and proteases, and in multidrug efflux systems of Gram-negative bacteria. Importantly, however, TolC is also involved in the import of a naturally occurring protein toxin, colicin E1, into susceptible bacterial cells. The mechanism of colicin E1 import across TolC channel is poorly understood.

We now wish to investigate the molecular dynamics of this protein by a combination of techniques that include X-ray crystallography and site-directed spin labelling electron paramagnetic resonance (SDSL-EPR) spectroscopy. A BBSRC grant has been awarded to support this research project. Several objectives are identified in this project, including the study of the uptake and transport mechanism of polypeptide substrates derived from colicin E1 across the TolC channel, and the study of dynamic intra- and inter-molecular changes of the outer membrane protein TolC purified and reconstituted in detergent or lipid bilayer in different experimental conditions.

This work is supported by collaborations with Prof. A. Thomson, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, and Dr A. Hemmings, School of Biological Sciences, at the University of East Anglia

2- Phage display and vaccine design.

The bacteriophage fd engineered to display T-helper and T-cytolytic epitopes from HIV-1 reverse transcriptase has been shown to modulate the immune response in vitro. However, very little is known about bacteriophage processing and presentation in antigen presenting cells. We now wish to explore the role of targeting molecules expressed on the minor coat protein in the uptake of bacteriophage fd in human macrophages and dendritic cells by confocal microscopy and established biochemical techniques. This work will exploit the imaging facilities at the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, and existing collaboration with School of Medicine and The Institute of Food Research.

3- The contribution of human metapneumovirus to respiratory infections in the Norfolk community.

This research study is being carried out in collaboration with Prof. Hunter in the School of Medicine and Prof. Sillis at the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital. A small grant to support this research has been awarded by the John and Pamela Salter Charitable Trust.

4- Immune effectors and autoimmune diseases.

The role of erythropoietin is being investigated using an in vitro model of rheumatoid arthritis, in collaboration with Dr. Coussons at Anglia Ruskin University.

BioMedicine, Infection and Immunity

School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, UEA (2003-current)

Lectures and Seminars (Years 1-3)

Teaching involves primarily preparation and delivery of lectures and seminars to MB/BS medical degree students. Subjects taught include protein biochemistry and structural biology, protein-DNA interaction, control of gene expression, natural and acquired immunity, tolerance and autoimmunity, hypersensitive response, defence to microbial infections, inflammation and cancer immunology. As well as being involved in direct face-to-face teaching, I am also interested in the integration of information technology with teaching and learning in a problem based learning (PBL) medical course with the objective to develop practical skills in experimental science.

PBL Tutor for MB/BS students (Years 1-3)

Problem based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical method that combines theoretical conceptualisation of learning with experimental research-based practice. As a PBL tutor my responsibility is to facilitate and assist with the PBL group work. There are two sessions in each week (brainstorm and feedback) with 10 students and PBL tutorials run over 20 weeks in Year 1 and over 24 weeks in Years 2 and 3. Group work involves the analysis, identification of learning objectives and the study of clinical scenarios, thus gaining direct experience of evidence-based practice.

Student Selected Studies - Biochemistry Domain Coordination and Assessment (Year3)

The selected studies are integral part of each Unit (three Units in Year-3) and approximately 50 students carry out a research-based project in Biochemistry every year. Undergraduates are expected to expand their knowledge in a topic of their choice selected from a range of subjects covered during the specific Unit.

As a domain leader my main responsibility is concerned with the management, supervision and assessment of student research projects based on clinical cases and literature search required for the MBBS curriculum.

Supervisor of undergraduate medical research projects (MB/BS)

As project supervisor I am involved in the management of laboratory based research projects carried out by MB/BS students in the final year of their degree.

Immunology Theme Leader

The responsibility of this position is concerned with the overall design and delivery of the immunology course in the MB/BS curriculum. Specific learning objectives have been identified to cover natural and acquired immunity, tolerance and autoimmunity, hypersensitive response, defence to microbial infections, primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders, inflammation and cancer immunology.

• Member of the Institute of Health Ethics Committee, UEA (2006-current).

• Member of the Institute of Health E-learning Executive Committee, UEA (2006-current).

• Deputy Leader for MB/BS Unit-6, Year 3, School of Medicine, UEA (2004-2005).