About
My passion for science began as soon as I could write. Scroll down to discover the unusual journey that led from biotechnology to bread and finally, books.
Timeline
1984 - Today
Books and Illustrations
During my time in the allergen-free food industry I met many youngsters. My overriding memory is of them holding back from sampling food until they’d been given the ‘nod’ that it was safe. The need to understand is crucial when children are exploring the world without an adult to check each morsel they eat.
This book is for them.
2014 - 2023
Food Industry
My need for delicious gluten free food was the driving force in developing the world award winning gluten free breads. The business won the award three times, alongside over 30 medals and prizes. We sold the company in 2023 to allow time for our other passions. In my case, that’s writing and illustrating for my beloved young folk.
2002 - 2024
Writing and Communications
Once I’d left hands-on scientific research and development, I spent the next few years focused on explaining science for children’s magazines and websites, plus nutrition made simple. I went ‘off-piste’ a few times with fun stories for my husband’s businesses.
This one became one of the top PR stories of that era. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/10/20/order-lost-in-translation_n_1021286.html
1996 - 2004
Design and Licencing
When I had the first cancer, I could no longer work in a lab environment. During recovery my creativity had space to develop. In fact, writing and art helped me heal. I wasn’t ready to return to the high stress world of clinical diagnostics, so I began selling and licensing my art. Soon my hobby became a full-time greeting card and licensing business, which I sold seven years later.
1981 - 1995
Scientific Research and Communications
Following a first class degree in Biochemistry and Applied Microbiology, I became a research scientist, developing glucose biosensors for diabetics, natural hair dyes using microbes and food packaging that detected internal gas and contamination. I was also Managing Editor of a Biotechnology Journal published by Cambridge University Press, which led to work on the first scientific digital teaching aids for schools.
19** - 1981
Before all That
My lifelong fascination with scientific communication began as soon as I could write. Much to my poor parents’ dismay I hid bread under the bed, our last toothpaste in the freezer and a collection of worms in an old jam jar, to name but a few. Why? To see what happened. I was often found curled under the stairs writing up experiments. It was the perfect way to find space in a house containing six children, various friends, long-suffering parents, two dogs, a budgerigar and a couple of gerbils.
