I came to Keele University in 1992 as a Ph.D. student and have been here ever since. My first degree, BSc (Hons), was in Science and the Environment from Leicester Polytechnic. After completing my Ph.D. on the molecular conservation of endangered insects, I began teaching part-time at Keele, while carrying out post-doctoral research on the effects of the tapeworm Ligula on the gonads of infected roach. I continued to teach part-time while running Ashley Pet Behaviour Centre and practicing as a Pet Behavior Counsellor. In 2008 I closed the Pet Behaviour Centre and returned to take on a greater role at Keele, being appointed as a lecturer, still working part-time. My particular fields of interest are animal behavior and human evolution. I have helped to set up, and now manage, a final year module on Human Evolution, and I am still pressing to have more animal behavior included in the curriculum. In addition, I have forged links with various local zoos and each year run a variety of final year undergraduate projects looking at the behavior of captive animals. I also help to organize open and visit days and take part in many outreach activities. In 2015 I took up the role of Programme Director for Biology. In this capacity, I am at present helping to steer the new Single Honours Biology programme through its validation stages. In 2015 I also gained Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
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