I trained as an analytical chemist and have a research interest in biogeochemistry, in particular dissolved organic carbon. I came to SAMS in 1998 as one of the first lecturers tasked with developing the Marine Science BSc programme. As Head of, and later Associate Director for, Education I have been instrumental in developing SAMS' relationship with the University of the Highlands and Islands and ensuring that our undergraduate and postgraduate education offering is of the highest quality. With a natural aptitude for institutional management, I became Deputy Director of SAMS in 2013 after qualifying with an MBA in Higher Education Management.