Personal Statement
I studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, after qualifying in 2008 I worked in clinical farm animal practice for several years before undertaking my PhD at the University of Nottingham in molecular veterinary epidemiology. From 2013 - 2018 I held the post of Clinical Lecturer in Sheep Health and Production at University of Nottingham before moving to University of Liverpool as Senior Lecturer and now Reader in Livestock Health and Welfare. My research and teaching has always focused primarily on ruminants and the production limiting diseases that impact upon their management, welfare and profitability. As principal investigator I lead several national and international research projects with a dedicated team of postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students. We collaborate widely with fellow academics in South America and New Zealand as well as with industry stakeholders, farmers and veterinarians to address topics of common concern such as paratuberculosis and antibiotic resistance.

Research Overview
My research interests include a wide range production limiting diseases of farmed ruminants. Foremost among these are the 'Iceberg' diseases and specifically paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease) in commercial sheep farming systems funded by AHDB, HCC and Virbac Animal Health. My interest is primarily in the sub-clinical production losses associated with presence of the infectious agent in populations. The term 'iceberg' diseases refers to these subtle, sub-clinical reductions in animal performance and productivity are not immediately apparent, 'beneath the surface of the flock', and yet effect the majority of the infected animals and a disproportionately large part of the total economic impact of the disease in comparison to the small proportion of obvious, clinical cases at the 'tip' of the iceberg.

My other research focus is on bacterial diseases of sheep and cattle that drive antibiotic use and the selection for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the patterns and practices of antibiotic use (AMU) by farmers and vets. I work with a wide range of collaborators in different disciplines along with industry stakeholders in the UK and Argentina to develop surveillance programs for AMU and AMR funded by BBSRC & CONICET.