Claire graduated with First Class Honours in Microbiology and Environmental Science from King’s College London, before pursuing a PhD at the University of Warwick, where she investigated the metabolic pathways involved in halomethane degradation by methanotrophic bacteria. While her academic background is rooted in scientific research, Claire is also a qualified educator, having spent part of her career in teaching.

In March 2020, she was awarded a prestigious Daphne Jackson Fellowship, which facilitated her return to academic research at the University of Bristol. During this time, she significantly advanced her expertise in microbial bioinformatics, applying these skills to analyse microbial diversity across a range of clinical and environmental samples.

Claire is also passionate about science communication and outreach. She secured National Lottery funds for the planting of a heritage orchard at her local primary school, aiming to inspire the next generation to engage with science and the natural world.