I have worked in industry across sectors with most experience in management and development of charities, volunteering and fundraising. I have been lucky enough in these roles to have designed and managed a range of projects, events and partnerships, as well as being able to conduct research and extensive evaluations. Alongside this I have also held different roles in academia including as External Marker and Examination Invigilator for University of Sunderland in Tourism and Hospitality (2008-present), and External Examiner for University of Northampton in the field of Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2010-2014).

I completed my PhD in 2014 with Teesside University: Sustainable Volunteering - Managing Volunteers in Cultural Heritage Attractions, which was a Tees Valley specific piece of work exploring the unique values, issues and management of this sector. My research interests lie in several fields: volunteer motivation, impacts and management, cultural and heritage tourism development, as well as the health and wellbeing impacts of the natural environment.