• 1988-1991 Wellcome Trust Postgraduate Research Assistant, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Dundee.
• 1992 Temporary Postgraduate Research Assistant, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Dundee.
• 1992-1996 Cystic Fibrosis Trust Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
• 1996-1999 Wellcome Trust Advanced Training Fellow, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne and The Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
• 1999-2004 Senior Lecturer in Physiology, Sunderland Pharmacy School, School of Health, Natural & Social Sciences, University of Sunderland.
• 2004-present Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine, Health Policy & Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich.

• 1984-1988 BSc (Hons), Physiology (2ii), University of Dundee.
• 1988-1992 PhD (Physiology), University of Dundee.

• My laboratory is interested in investigating the distribution, function and regulation of chloride ion channels. In particular the laboratory is interested in calcium-activated chloride channels as research from my lab and others has shown that they can functionally replace the defective chloride channel that results in cystic fibrosis. This has led to the hypothesis that alternative chloride ion channels could be a potential therapeutic pathway for cystic fibrosis.
• Several molecular candidates for calcium-sensitive chloride channels from bovine, mouse and human tissues has now been reported. These include the CLCA gene family, the bestrophin gene family and the tweety gene family. I have been involved in several projects to look at the CLCA gene family. In collaboration with my colleague, Dr Paul Chazot (University of Durham), we have developed anti-mCLCA3 antibodies to investigate the tissue distribution of this putative chloride ion channel in mouse. We have shown that mCLCA3 is expressed in tissues that are affected in CF and asthma. As a follow on from the epithelial work we have also investigated the neuronal tissue expression of mCLCA3 in mice.
• I am presently involved in a project to investigate the various endogenous signalling pathways that may be involved in the activation of calcium-activated chloride channels in pancreatic duct cells, using the CFPAC cell line as a model. This research has identified for the first time the expression of the bestrophin protein family in pancreatic duct cells. It is also looking at potential pharmacological compounds that may activate these channels.
• My laboratory uses the following research techniques:
  • Culture of appropriate cell lines  (e.g. CFPAC-1, HPAF, HCN-2, neuronal primary cultures)
  • Electrophysiology (including Patch clamp - both whole cell and single channel and two electrode voltage clamp of Xenopus oocytes)
  • Iodide Efflux assays
  • Antibodies for distribution studies (Dr Paul Chazot) and general molecular biology techniques

• Miss Laura Marsey, Cystic Fibrosis Trust PhD student (Aug 2003 – September 2007) “Molecular and functional investigations of the calcium-activated chloride channel in cystic fibrosis pancreatic duct cells”. (Successfully completed)
• Dr Sangeeta Pathak, MD student (July 2007-June 2009) “Placental correlates of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes”.

MBBS Medical Degree Course

• MBBS Year 3 Unit Lead for Unit 7 (The Senses)

• MBBS Physiology Domain leader for 1st year & 3rd year Student Selected Studies (SSS)

• Internal examiner, 3rd year MBBS

• Year 3 lecture programme coordinator

• Member of MBBS Curriculum Design & Development (CDD) Group

• Member of timetable group – subgroup of CDD.

• MED School library liaison representative

• Representative for MED on Library & Learning Resources Forum