Having graduated from the University of Plymouth with a degree in Geography, I have worked as a professional planner for the last twenty years in both academia and planning practice. Before joining Plymouth, my experience in academia was with the University of the West of England in Bristol where, over a period of 15 years, I designed, led, and contributed to a range of modules and programmes associated with planning and urban geography. For six years I was also an Associate Head of Department with responsibility for geography, planning and environmental management. My time in planning practice has been split between working at Land Use Consultants (LUC) and tor&co. Collectively I have gained experience in development and strategic planning, policy and plan appraisal, and design and master planning. During my most recent experience with LUC I delivered a package of training for Natural England to support their Green Infrastructure Framework, and was commissioned to undertake research for clients that included the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Environment Agency.

I am currently undertaking a part-time PhD that is exploring the delivery of green infrastructure in major residential development.

University of Plymouth: BSc Geography (1998)

University of Reading: MPhil Environmental Planning and Design (2001)

University of the West of England: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (2008)

University of the West of England: PhD in Planning (ongoing)

I am a chartered member of the RTPI and have supported the institute's activities at a national and regional level. I have served as a member of the institute's General Assembly and Education and Lifelong Learning Committee and acted as chair of the overarching Partnership and Accreditation Panel between 2020 and 2022. Regionally I acted as chair in 2013 and served on the South West Regional Activities Committee for over ten years.

I have acted as chair of the RTPI Partnership Boards for the universities of Ulster and Sheffield.