I worked at the School for many years before retiring in 2006, but remain significantly involved in teaching London-based students. Initially I worked on improved diagnostic methods for Trichomonas vaginalis; later I became interested in other protozoa which infect the mucous-covered surfaces of our bodies, in particular Entamoeba histolytica. I played a modest part in the research which led to the realisation that amoebiasis was caused by two different but, in appearance identical, species of Entamoeba - the truly pathogenic E. histolytica and the harmless E. dispar.

T. vaginalis, for many years neglected, has in recent years attracted research interest as it appears to make transmission of HIV virus more likely, to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and, possibly, act as a promoter for carcinoma of the cervix.

Teaching has been central to my career as an academic. Administratively I successively held the posts of Departmental Taught Course Director, School Teaching Programme Director and Distance Learning Co-ordinator and was heavily involved from the beginning in the setting up of the School’s Distance Learning programme as well as the innovative Doctor in Public Health (DrPH) degree.