Laura’s passion for human physiology and well-being goes back to childhood summers spent exploring rock pools, collecting shells and listening to oystercatchers in Galloway, Scotland. Living by the wind and tides she learned to sail, and wondered why everyone’s lips went purple when they got cold? She decided to become a scientist and graduated with a BSc (Hons) in physiology from University of Glasgow; she completed her PhD at the University of Southampton by the time she was 24.

Laura’s post-doctoral research into salt intake and long term control of blood pressure, coincided with the emergence of nutrition science in the late 1970s. She integrated them to trigger her interest in stress management and public health nutrition that continues to this day. Laura took a break from laboratory science to have her three daughters, training as an antenatal educator and yoga teacher along the way – sparking her interest and enthusiasm for promoting healthy lifestyle choices, effective stress management and building resilience.

Laura has had a long (35+ years) and very varied career as an academic and educator in both FE and HE sectors. As a senior lecturer, she led and coordinated teams of lecturers who introduced and delivered innovative programmes of learning. Her own teaching focused on anatomy, physiology and well-being – the sciences of life – to frontline healthcare professionals. She was an early member of the Education & Teaching theme group of The Physiological Society and helped to establish the Bioscience in Nursing education (BiNE) group of the Higher Education Academy.

Now semi-retired to focus on writing and podcasting, Laura is an Associate Tutor at the University of East Anglia (UEA).  She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the International Stress Management Association (ISMA). Her unique approach to explaining the components of health and well-being is holistic, person-centred and based on sound scientific principles.

Living in Norfolk with her partner, Laura is a member of a large extended family tribe. When she’s not working or writing, she plays golf, knits Shetland lace, makes her own bread and potters in the garden to recharge her batteries. Camping takes her further afield; she loves to travel and explore new places.  She still returns to the beaches and rock pools of Galloway every year.

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