I have a degree in Nutrition from Kings College, London (1989) and a PhD in lipid biochemistry from Nottingham University (1994). My PhD involved investigating the effects of two structural isomers of monopalmitoyl-dioleoylglycerol on lipoprotein metabolism. Following the completion of my PhD I studied for a PGCE. I started teaching as a lecturer in nutrition at the University of Huddersfield on a part time basis in 1996 and became full time in September 2004.

I am a senior lecturer in nutrition and the course leader for the undergraduate nutrition degree programmes. I am a registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition and a fellow of the Higher Education Academy. My particular interests lie within the area of malnutrition, especially in care homes and the role of food and nutrition in schools. I am involved with the media and have done radio interviews, written newspaper articles and provided blogs on topical issues.

• Malnutrition, especially in care homes
• The role of food and nutrition in schools