I am a professor at The University of Liverpool. in the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health.

I received my Physiology BSc and PhD (on connective tissue in the uterus) from University College London. I was appointed to the faculty of The University of Liverpool in 1990, where I have happily remained. I served as Head of Department of Physiology, Director of the Centre for Better Births, and Co-Director of the Harris Preterm Birth Research Centre. I am also proud to have been the University’s first lead for equality and diversity, and I have always enjoyed mentoring.

I have taught and examined undergraduate and postgraduate students throughout my career, served on grant and fellowship committees, and acted as an external examiner and research adviser at home and abroad. I have hosted visits from charities and funders and lay supporters, spoken in schools about science, and interacted with politicians and journalists to promote science, funding and women’s health.

I research the mechanisms regulating smooth muscle contraction, with a particular interest in the uterus. As well as studying and gaining much-needed knowledge on the basic mechanisms controlling uterine activity, I have investigated how abnormalities in these mechanisms are involved in difficult labours, and integrated these discoveries to improve labour outcomes.

I have contributed to and led academic journals, publishing over 200 peer reviewed publications. I have been honoured for my work with worldwide lecturing invitations and fellowships – see my Wiki page for details.