Biography

I joined HSRU in 2007 as a trial manager.  I graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BSc in Health Sciences in 1993, an MLitt in 1995, and a PhD in 2007.  Prior to joining the Unit, I worked in the Department of Public Health at the University of Aberdeen.

I am the Senior Trial Manager within CHaRT supporting the portfolio of trials.   I also currently work on the BICS trial - a multicentre trial investigating the effectiveness of the beta-blocker bisoprolol in preventing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.    

Previously I was the Deputy Senior Trial Manager and supported a number of studies including RAACENO, EMPOWER and ELECTRIC (all now completed).  I also worked as trial manager on a number of CHaRT trials, including TWICS, CLASS, NIAMI, FOCCUS, REFLUX and the Cysteamine in CF study.  

I am interested in methodological research that can be carried out alongside existing trials, including the provision of information to potential participants and strategies to increase response rates.

Research Overview

Trial methodology & trial management

Current Research

I am the Senior Trial Manager within CHaRT supporting the portfolio of trials.   I also currently work on the BICS trial - a multicentre trial investigating the effectiveness of the beta-blocker bisoprolol in preventing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.    

I am interested in methodological research that can be carried out alongside existing trials, including the provision of information to potential participants and strategies to increase response rates.

Past Research

Since joining the Unit I have worked on a number of trials that have now been completed. 

TWICS  - a multicentre trial investigating the effectiveness of low dose oral theophylline as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroids in preventing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

CLASS - a multicentre trial comparing foam sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation with conventional surgery in patients with varicose veins;

NIAMI - a phase II multicentre trial investigating whether an intravenous injection of sodium nitrite given immediately before the infarct related artery is opened reduces ischaemia reperfusion injury in patients with myocardial infarction;

FOCCUS - a pragmatic multi-centred randomised controlled trial of surgical HDU care versus HDU care delivered in an ICU and pre-operative fluid loading in high-risk patients undergoing major elective surgery

REFLUX - a multi-centre randomised trial comparing a policy of relatively early laparoscopic surgery with a continued best medical management policy for people with more severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

The Cysteamine in CF study - a single-centre, single group open label study of oral cysteamine in patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

I also supported RAACENO, EMPOWER and ELECTRIC (all now completed) as senior trial manager.

Teaching Responsibilities

I have supervised a number of undergraduate and Masters level research projects, including topics such as provision of information to potential participants, strategies to increase response rates, and outcome measures.

Non-course Teaching Responsibilities

Outwith the University, I am a faculty member on the Edinburgh Clinical Trial Management Course (ECTMC).