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Biography
Having completed a BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Leicester (1975-1978), I obtained a position as a Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer at Guy's Hospital, London. I was given the opportunity to register for a PhD and spent 4 years working on lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular risk in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. In 1982 I successfully defended my PhD thesis entitled. 'High Density Lipoprotein Subfractions and Coronary Heart Disease in Diabetes Mellitus'. Between 1982-1984 I worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Medical School at the University of Toronto, looking at the interactions between adipose tissue and lipoproteins. On returning to the UK, I joined the Department of Biochemistry in the Medical School at the University of Nottingham as a Research Fellow funded by the British Heart Foundation. Using both animal and cell models I investigated the hormonal regulation of hepatic lipoprotein metabolism. In 1989 I was appointed as a lecturer in Nutritional Biochemistry in the Department of Applied Biochemistry and Food Science (Now the Division of Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) in the School of Agriculture & Food Science (now School of Biosciences) on the Sutton Bonington Campus. I worked here until 2023, being promoted to Senior Lecturer and Reader before becoming Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry in 2005. Much of my research concentrated on the impact of diet on lipoprotein metabolism and risk of cardiovascular disease. However, I also developed interests in manipulation of the fatty acid composition of meat and milk and, most recently, improving the sustainability of our food systems with particular emphasis on dietary protein. Between 2022-23 I served as Director of the University's Future Food Beacon before retiring in September 2023 and becoming Emeritus Professor.
During my time at Sutton Bonington, I have taught a wide range of topics including lipid biochemistry, impact of diet on metabolic disease, molecular nutrition and healthy and sustainable diets. I have been involved in the supervision of over 50 PhD students and published over 100 peer-reviewed research papers. I have been associated with research funding exceeding £10 million in total.
I have undertaken a range of administrative roles including Head of Division of Nutritional Sciences (2006-2009 and 2012-2018) and Director of Undergraduate Admissions (2010-2015). I also served as a Member of University Senate (2010-2013).
Outside of the University I served as Honorary Scientific Officer and Trustee of the Nutrition Society (2012-2018), Secretary and Trustee of the UK Academy of Nutrition Science (2019-2023) and I currently serve as Honorary Secretary and Trustee of the Nutrition Society.