Whilst studying for my degree in Chemistry at the University of North Wales in Bangor, I became involved with the chemistry of plants. I found myself becoming increasingly interested in plant production and an understanding of the importance of good plant growth and plant chemistry.

Following my BSc, I gained a PhD from Birmingham University where I studied Zoology and Comparative Physiology, specifically, the interaction between plants and insect pests. After completing this, I worked for Horticulture Research International for 25 years. I am currently a Chartered Chemist, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.

The National Centre is the hub of many activities including research and development, a herb farm, plant centre and herb shop, bistro and we also run workshops for the public and commercial growers. Needless to say, my daily routine is diverse to say the least. I receive and reply to queries from groups such as the NFU and also from individuals regarding white fly and any other horticultural problems. I co-ordinate a project with students at Reading and Coventry University that we have set up with the Alternative Crop Unit . I also schedule what we grow for the centre’s own purposes and for commercial growers. In the summer, I set up and preside over trials, which are collaborative work with The Central Science Laboratory, Horticulture Development Corporation and ADAS.

The industry in which I work is very fast moving and new developments are constantly unravelling which makes my job very exciting and stimulating. I also have a lot of direct contact with commercial growers and individuals which I immensely enjoy. However, due to the undiscovered nature of the ground on which we work, results can be uncertain and there are no guarantees of success.