First published in CommUnicate issue 317.

Favourite phrase
“It’s a wrap.” Sometimes my projects go on for years and it’s good to have closure sometimes.

Least favourite phrase
“It won’t take a minute.” – I always know that means it’ll take ages. I’m one of the worst offenders.

Life before Warwick
Research at the University of Cambridge, King’s College London and the Open University. But I had another career before academia – I was a journalist and TV programme-maker, and spent a number of years at the BBC.

Smartest career move
Getting involved in a Canadian-funded research project which flew me to Canada, unsurprisingly, but also flew me to the United States, Australia and Brazil. Rio was amazing.

Best thing about working at Warwick
The Arts Centre and the Library’s online database resources.

Worst thing about working at Warwick
Having to catch the Number 12 bus from Coventry rail station to the campus – the ride is so bumpy.

Major achievement to date?
Getting a grant to establish a collaborative network on Inclusive Work in an Ageing Society. We’re designing a research project to improve the quality of working lives – which should hopefully benefit us all, including me, in the very near future.

Lifelong ambition
I’d love to cycle round the coast of Britain – and not have to write a book about it.

What do you treasure most?
My support network, especially close family and friends. They bring sanity to the slightly mad frenzy of academic research.

Any hidden talents?
I make a mean Oxtail Stew.

Which person inspires you most, and why?
Too many to mention.

Your favourite record or piece of music?
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

Your favourite hobby or pastime?
Cycling in central London, especially in rush hour.