Profile
I am a Lecturer in Genomics and Ageing based in the Centre for Preventive Neurology (CPN) and the Academic Centre for Healthy Ageing (ACHA). I am currently undertaking a Wellcome Trust Early Career Award exploring the mechanisms of accelerated ageing in diverse populations and how this leads to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
I co-lead the Prevention Working Group of the Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network, an international network of researchers and industrial partners with a shared interest in applying data science and AI methods to dementia research.
Previously, I completed my undergraduate nursing studies at the University of Birmingham, before graduating in Neuroscience from King’s College London. I then undertook a PhD in Epidemiology at QMUL, which focused on the genetics of modifiable risk factors for dementia. I then moved to the University of Colorado Boulder where I undertook postdoctoral training in statistical genetics at the Institute for Behavioural Genetics before returning to QMUL for my current role.
Research
Research Interests:
My research mainly focuses on applying and developing multivariate genomic methods to explore how modifiable risk factors lead to neurodegeneration and poor brain health later in life. I am particularly interested in modelling the genetic architecture of complex age-related phenotypes, such as frailty and resilience, to identify ways to prevent cognitive decline and maintain brain health through public health interventions or the development of pharmacological therapies.
I am passionate about reducing inequalities in healthcare by conducting more inclusive research across diverse populations and engaging the public in genetic epidemiology and ageing research.