My PhD in molecular microbiology (investigating the function of RpoN in transcription initiation of nitrogen fixation genes) was awarded by the John Innes Centre and University of East Anglia, UK. Following a brief spell in R&D, developing automated microscopy for cryptosporidium monitoring, I moved into corporate communications, initially at drug discovery company, Astex, then the Babraham Institute, UK. Subsequently, I worked for around 10 years in various professional associations, developing membership strategy and communications. I'm currently a director/owner of a research consultancy serving the professional membership sector, and a freelance community manager.