Meet the Diverse Data team at Genomics England

Maxine Mackintosh (s/h) — Programme Lead (July 2021)

What does your role actually involve?

My role is really around shaping the direction of the programme, helping out and unsticking members of the team, and building new relationships and spending a lot of time talking to people across Genomics England and externally about how the hell we’re going to address this hugely important and rather tricky challenge of data diversity, mistrust and equitable care in genomics. Also writing lots of emails…

What were you doing before in previous lives?

Prior to coming to Genomics England I was mostly in academia. I’ve come via an undergrad in neuroscience, sliding seamlessly (??) into health economics before moving into machine learning in NHS data, after which I looked at consumer data and social determinants of health. I suppose what links all of those together is I’m really interested in how our society (healthcare and non-healthcare) make and keep people healthy, and how data can be used to support that. I’ve done a smattering of enjoyable other bits and bobs, including spending some time in L’Oreal’s Scientific Team, the WHO on national AI and Health policy in Indonesia, Roche Diagnostics on technology strategy and some amazing Fellowships that have taken me across the globe; from Uganda and Kenya to New York and LA.

Why you wanted to join the programme/Genomics England/why does the problem motivate you?

I had been growing my interest in data science and health over some time, I really enjoyed all the policy work I was doing alongside my research, and had been heavily involved in diversity and inclusion in both the healthtech sector as a whole, as well as at a more community level via digital inclusion and accessibility initiatives. This role felt like it was a perfect combination of the data hat, the policy hat and the diversity hat. The only big problem was… I hadn’t done genetics since second year of uni!

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

1. Paper: I really like Irene Chen’s paper on building ethical machine learning pipelines in healthcare.
2. Playbook: Nesta’s “Collective Intelligence” playbook is an amazing resource for anyone looking to crowdsource or co-design at scale.
3. Book: The Phantom Toolbooth by Norton Juster. I can’t obviously see how it’s related, but I’m sure somewhere somehow it is.

When not at work you can be found…

A lot of my evenings/weekends/early morning head and heart is devoted to One HealthTech which is a wonderful community I’m heavily involved in which aims to support better diversity and inclusion in the healthtech sector. I meet the most weird, wonderful and inspiring people, and it’s a real challenge to see how to build a truly self-organising and self-sustaining community. Else, I love anything that involves fancy dress, I love kitsch ways to exercise like Morning Gloryville raves or Peloton, and I seem to be perpetually cleaning my flat as far as I’m concerned.

What’s your favourite color?

Orange. Even better if it’s got a slightly neon-coral tint to it.

What would you change about yourself?

I gabble… (That’s one in case my family ever reads this. YES I KNOW MUM AND DAD I KNOW!)

Morning or evening?

Morning

Would you rather have regrets about actions or inactions?

Actions. The not knowing would ruin me.

What is your favourite breakfast?

An aggressive curry.

Where can people find you?

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxinemackintosh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maxi_Macki

Will Townley, Cohorts Manager (November 2022)

What does your role actually involve?

As the cohorts manager for the Diverse Data team, I am responsible for onboarding new cohorts (large groups of linked participants) and guiding the academic, clinical, commercial and funding partners throughout the end to end cohorts lifecycle, from engagement through to data delivery. This includes working together to understand the project requirements and collaborating to ensure tasks are actioned with the relevant Genomics England teams.

What were you doing before in previous lives?

My background is in scientific research. I studied Biology at the University of York and had the opportunity to go on an industrial placement at the Medicines Discovery Catapult. This ignited my desire to follow a career in scientific research while working on the 'Microbubbles' project (a novel drug delivery modality in development) in collaboration with Leeds University .

I then moved to Cambridge (UK), where I took a role as a research scientist working for a biomanufacturing company in their R&D team. The position allowed me to learn many molecular and cell biology techniques. However, during this role I started to understand that my skills were more aligned to a role outside of the lab and moved to a different scientific company as a pipeline administrator. The main responsibilities of the role were coordination of the many active projects and communication with relevant stakeholders.

Why you wanted to join the programme/GEL/why does the problem motivate you?

I have always been fascinated by science because it provides an opportunity to improve understanding of our surroundings and how we work. So far in my career, I have been lucky enough to be a part of different research areas in the pre-clinical space but what attracted me to Genomics England was the opportunity to be closer to the people that may actually benefit from the research. Genomics in particular is such an exciting and constantly evolving scientific endeavour with massive potential. I believe that potential and the benefits of scientific discovery should be shared and accessible to everyone, which is why I am excited to be a part of the Diverse Data team.

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

1. J Kim et al. 'Patient-Customized Oligonucleotide Therapy for a Rare Genetic Disease'. The New England Journal of Medicine (2019). The paper behind an inspirational piece of work to develop a personalised therapy for one individual in 10 months.
2. The Checklist Manifesto, Atul Gawande - You can't beat the feeling of finishing a 'to-do' list!
3. Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman - Will really make you think about your decision-making.

When not at work you can be found…

Playing or watching sport! I play for a local hockey team in Cambridge every week and also enjoy playing 5-a-side football with some friends.

Where can people follow/contact you?

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-townley-772901135/

Punchline to favourite joke?

I asked my dog what's two minus two. He said nothing.

What was your last impulse buy?

I don't normally have many impulse buys. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic I made an uncharacteristic purchase when I bought my own 'beer making kit'. I enjoyed brewing a few different batches, including a 'Mosaic' hopped beer which came out quite well (although I am biased).

If your pet could talk, what would they say about you?

I have two pet gerbils called Sangria and Estrella, in particular the former is obsessed with food. So I imagine they would be constantly complaining about not receiving enough snacks if they could talk.

What dish do you cook best?

I love cooking and baking, especially when trying new recipes. When I was younger I was obsessed with Cinnabon cinnamon rolls (and was devastated when the one in Piccadilly Circus closed), and have tried baking them a few times. They were pretty good, but still some way to competing with the best.

What movie do you enjoy quoting the most?

Probably the Monty Python films, my dad loved the films so I've been able to pick up lots of the quotes from a young age.

Yoonsu Cho, Genomics Data Scientist (November 2022)

What does your role actually involve?

As a Genomics Data Scientist, my role has two major objectives: 1) Understanding population structure in data; and 2) exploring genetic diversity between populations and its consequence on disease aetiology. This includes identifying similarities and differences in disease distribution between populations that could help with development of interventions to prevent and treat disease. I also contribute to development and improvement of genomic analysis tools.

What were you doing before in previous lives?

Before I joined GEL, I used to work at the University of Bristol (MRC-MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit) as a postdoc. My interest was developing genetic analysis methods and tools (e.g., Mendelian randomisation) that can be used in multiple ancestral populations. I was also involved in various collaboration projects using non-European populations to explore differences in genetic effects on disease between populations.

Why you wanted to join the programme/GEL/why does the problem motivate you?

I have always been interested in how scientific research can help to improve public health. This interest led me to undertake my doctoral studies in public health science and inspired my move to GEL to conduct research that has a direct impact on public health. GEL has very unique data including individuals from a diverse range of ancestral populations. This is appealing to me as it provides a special opportunity to investigate whether we can use the same treatments in different ancestral populations and how we can minimise the gap in disease treatment between populations.

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

1. Race and Genetic Ancestry in Medicine — A Time for Reckoning with Racism. N Engl J Med 2021; 384:474-480 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMms2029562
2. The language of race, ethnicity, and ancestry in human genetic research. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2106.10041
3. Genomics is failing on diversity. Nature 538, 161–164 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/538161a

When not at work you can be found…

At nice restaurants, cafe with good decaf (!) coffee, or gym

Where can people contact/follow you?

Email: yoonsu.cho@genomicsengland.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoonsu-cho-068a2b238/

What is your guilty pleasure?

Greasy pizza from Papa Johns..

What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime?

Going for a long walk

What is your hidden talent?

Cooking (!)

What do you wish you learned sooner?

Cycling

Would you rather have regrets about actions or inactions?

Actions

Sam Tallman (h/h)— Genomic Data Scientist (January 2022)

What does your role actually involve?

As a data scientist, I am tasked with finding patterns in data that can generate insights and inform the strategy of the Diverse Data Initiative, and Genomics England more generally. This can involve anything from simply describing the diversity of our many programme participants, to exploring how this could bias our ability to discover causative variants for a particular disease.

What were you doing before in previous lives?

Before joining Genomics England, I was doing my PhD research generating whole-genome sequences from under-represented groups across sub-Saharan Africa. I was particularly interested in understanding how subtle variation in these sequences across individuals may have been shaped over time by forces such as migration and admixture. Basically, I use DNA to understand where people’s ancestors went and who they met along the way!

Why you wanted to join the programme/Genomics England/why does the problem motivate you?

It was during my undergraduate degree that I learned about the incredible potential of genomics to transform healthcare and improve people’s lives. Unfortunately, I also learned about the substantial diversity gap that exists in human genomics and the consequences this can have on predictive/diagnostic accuracy in individuals with different ancestries. It is my steadfast belief that the potential benefits of genomics are too great to not be equally and fairly shared amongst everyone, regardless of the circumstances of one’s birth. I knew that if there was a chance that I could contribute, even a small amount, to addressing the pressing issues surrounding the lack of diversity in genomics, I had to try!

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

I’m going to be boring and go for some of the amazing studies and reviews by scientists on this subject matter…

1. Alicia Martin et al. Current clinical use of polygenic risk scores will risk exacerbating health disparities. Nature Genetics (2019)
2. Deepti Gurdasani et al. Genomics of disease risk in globally diverse populations. Nature Reviews Genetics (2019)
3. Lucia Hindorff et al. Prioritizing diversity in human genomics research. Nature Reviews Genetics (2017)

When not at work you can be found…

With friends and family, sleeping, and eating. The simple things in life are the things I prioritize outside of work! I also have to admit, being a born and bred 4th generation Arsenal fan, I do reserve an inordinate amount of time and mental space to care (way too much…) about what happens to complete strangers as they make their way around a 100m x 70m bit of grass once or twice a week.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Biology

What is your deepest fear?

Tottenham Hotspur winning the Champions League

What is your favourite movie genre?

70’s Kung-Fu

What is your favourite type of weather?

Brisk yet sunny.

Are you in the profession you dreamed of as a child?

My dream job as a child was to be the person that (I theorised) must have to taste the Queen’s meals for poison before she ate them to get free food every day. So… no.

Where can people find you?

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/samuel-tallman-55635b9a

Marie Nugent (s/h) — Community Manager (May 2022)

What does your role actually involve?

My role is to facilitate interactions between Genomics England’s Diverse Data programme and the various communities that are relevant to it such as other colleagues with Genomics England, a wide variety of researchers, clinicians, publics and patient groups.

What were you doing before in previous lives?

I stumbled into studying Genetics at university and did a PhD in circadian biology before venturing into science communication and stakeholder engagement for Mars Petcare. I then spent over 5 years as Public Engagement Manager for University of Leicester and spearheaded a range of initiatives that explored what meaningful engagement looks like across a range of contexts and people, for both research and for civic engagement purposes. I’ve also worked in pharmacies, on checkouts in supermarkets and as a barmaid so I know how to throw a party.

Why you wanted to join the programme/Genomics England/why does the problem motivate you?

I get particularly excited when I have an opportunity to explore a complex challenge that no one single person or idea can fix so it requires collective action, deliberation and relationship building. Joining the Diverse Data team at Genomics England has given me this in abundance and I get to explore this knowing that I am contributing to building more equitable healthcare for all in the future. It’s a great privilege to be here.

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

1. Angela Saini’s books Inferior and Superior are excellent at explaining how science has been used and abused to reinforce and prioritise maleness and whiteness in research and society.
2. The Blindboy Podcast is also great for discovering links between colonial history, capitalism, art history, mental health and current affairs. I love it, particularly his ‘hot takes’. It helps me shift my perspective to explore some of the current issues we are trying to unpick today around social equity that is the consequence of hundreds of years of conditioning.

When not at work you can be found…

Either walking along Southend seafront, in the pub or on my phone scrolling through Instagram — I’m really interested in the current conversations unfolding on there around relationships, gender and race and I follow people who take a public academic-style role to unpick these. In particular, I enjoy following Alok Menon, Emma Dabiri, Jameela Jamil, Rachel Cargle, Brene Brown, Esther Perel, Lynae Vanee, Liz Pemberton — just to name a few!

What is your go-to karaoke song?

"Jenny Don’t Be Hasty" by Paolo Nutini or anything by Amy Winehouse (depending on how many wines I’ve had)

What was your last impulse buy?

I bought a dryrobe which is basically a huge, quite expensive, sleeping bag-style coat for when you do things like wild swimming and adventurous stuff like that. I just moved to Southend seafront (which isn’t even sea — it’s estuary) and got a bit excited about going swimming, which I’m yet to do.

What has been your favourite age so far and why?

I loved being 22. I moved to Leicester to start my PhD and it really felt like I was breaking away from all I’d known before! I met amazing people, went to so many gigs and had lots of fun. 2012 was also a great year with the Olympics and all sorts. Closely followed by being alive and well right here and now!

If you were to devote the rest of your life to philanthropy, what cause would you choose?

My dream charity would be to run an urban farm that homes sick and unwanted animals and create programmes for people with disabilities and illnesses to come and interact in some way. I think there is something magical in supporting people in need to give care to others and make connections that goes beyond whatever it is that otherwise limits them. I also think it’s really important for people to feel they can just live and be, without needing to be productive in order to have value.

What is humanity’s worst quality?

Greed.

Where can people find you?

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-nugent/
Twitter: @Mimi_Nugget

Ellie Orbell (s/h) - Delivery Manager (October 2022)

What does your role actually involve?

As Delivery Manager for Diverse Data, my role is very much about supporting the team to ensure we continue to make good progress and get things done. This involves being plugged into all aspects of the initiative and includes everything from being a strict timekeeper in meetings to project planning and monitoring. I very much see myself as the team cheerleader who rallies the troops!

What were you doing before in previous lives?

I started my career in education as a secondary school English teacher before moving into SEN teaching and working with students with complex learning needs. It was here that I completed my MA in education, exploring the suitability and inclusivity of a national communication curriculum. This was an amazing experience that allowed me to work with some of the most inspiring young people and their families. After five years in education, I decided to challenge myself and move into the private sector to explore a career outside of teaching. I took on an operations role at an executive search firm that focused on serving the deep tech sectors; it was here I started to learn about some of the wonderful things science and technology could do to make the world a better place. Through this role, I was lucky enough to have worked in a spinout startup where I managed a platform from inception through to its commercial launch.

Why you wanted to join the programme/Genomics England/why does the problem motivate you?

When I first learned of the Diverse Data initiative, the complex nature of the work they were doing really resonated with me. The Diverse Data initiative aims to reduce health inequalities for minoritised communities in genomic medicine. Despite not having a science background, I saw GEL and the DD team as an amazing opportunity for me to have a positive impact on someone else’s life. I don’t think there could be a better motivation to get up for work every day than that!

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

1. GEL’s very own, The G Word podcast.
2. A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived, Adam Rutherford.
3. This isn’t quite an article, book or podcast BUT … A webinar in the DD Genomic Equity Series - History of Eugenics with Adam Rutherford. This was a really interesting intro to a topic that I knew very little about and spurred me on to start reading his first book.

When not at work you can be found…

In the gym. Most of my days start by cycling to the local gym and enduring an intense workout. I’m someone who likes and needs to be on the go - there’s no better way to start the day than with a sweaty endorphin hit!

What dish do you cook the best?

Mushroom risotto (if I do say so myself)

What is your favourite thing to do in the Summertime?

Since living in London, I love cycling to the local park, walking to the top of the steepest hill and watching the sun set over the city. Morning or evening? Both. I’m one of those annoying people that get up at the crack of dawn to ‘seize the day’ but also stay up way too late.

What was your last impulse buy?

A banana tree which is currently taking over my living room.

What is the best advice you ever received?

To try not to worry so much about the past or constantly look to the future. All the time you are directing your attention elsewhere, you are missing all of the amazing things that are happening right in front of your eyes.

Where can people find you?

email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-orbell-74374917b/

Karoline Kuchenbaecker - Scientific Lead (May 2022)

What does your role actually involve?

As the Scientific Lead, I offer expertise in genomics and diversity as well as experience in leading small and large initiatives. I help shape the general direction and strategy, support the research DD is doing and co-lead the major programmes we are setting up.

What were you doing before in previous lives?

In my other life I am Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at University College London where I lead the “Diversity in Genomics” group. Our research focusses on genetic and environmental risk factors for diseases by leveraging the unique characteristics of diverse populations. We have developed methodological standards for diverse samples as well as innovative methods to empower locus discovery and to assess transferability of genetic risk factors. Besides research, I supervise students, give lectures, try to solve all sorts of problems, and also support my university in building an inclusive, diverse and supportive environment as well as being a place of knowledge and innovation.

Why you wanted to join the programme/Genomics England/why does the problem motivate you?

I am extremely passionate about doing research about and lobbying for more diversity in genomics. I am a stats and big data nerd and did a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology. When one day a student gave me a hint of what it meant to them personally that we were systematically excluding people like them from genomic research studies, I knew what I wanted to do in my career.

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

I know, it’s neither 3 nor pieces that seem to be directly “on this topic” but to begin to understand the lack of diversity, you have to go far far beyond genomic science.

1. Adam Rutherford: Control – The dark history and troubling present of eugenics
2. Michael Marmot: The health gap
3. Audre Lorde: Your silence will not protect you
4. Arundhati Roy: The god of small things
5. Hannah Arendth: Eichmann and the holocaust
6. Popejoy & Fullerton: Genomics is Failing on Diversity

When not at work you can be found…

running after my little one. I am sure I used to have a life at some point, not sure what happened to it?!

What’s your favourite color?

Red. I made the choice in primary school after every single other kid in my class had declared blue was their favourite colour.

What would you change about yourself?

Read previous answer.

Morning or evening?

Night.

What is your favourite breakfast?

Coffee + cigarette (I quit smoking many years ago)

Where can people find you?

Email: [email protected]

website: www.uclhumgen.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KKuchenbaecker

Matt Silver - Lead Genomic Data Scientist (April 2023)

What does your role actually involve?

I lead a talented team of genomic data scientists and bioinformaticians investigating how genetic diversity impacts genomic medicine in healthcare. This requires a deep understanding of how our genomes vary across the diverse communities that make up the UK population and how this variation affects the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

What were you doing before in previous lives?

Before joining Genomics England, I was an Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Senior Investigator with the Medical Research Council Unit in The Gambia in West Africa. I also held a visiting position in the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge. My research spanned genomics and epigenomics with a focus on the influence of maternal nutrition on the developing epigenome and effects on infant and child health.

Back in the mists of time I was a musician gigging and writing music for radio and TV. I’ve also worked for the BBC as a sound engineer and as a radio producer. I’m sure there’s a thread through all of that to genomics but I’m not sure what it is.

Why you wanted to join the programme/GEL/why does the problem motivate you?

We are entering an exciting era where knowledge of the DNA contained in almost every cell in our bodies promises to transform healthcare, leading to better diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. It’s vital that these benefits are accessible to all communities in the UK and beyond. I joined the Diverse Data Initiative because I wanted to use my skills in genome analysis and bioinformatics to make a contribution to this endeavour. It’s also great to be part of a large team of clinicians, scientists, engineers and others who have come together to solve the nitty gritty issues of how we can best use genomic medicine to benefit patients in the NHS.

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

Information is Beautiful by David McCandless is a great book for anyone who loves data visualisation. This is something we do a lot of as bioinformaticians but McCandless takes it to another level.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is a fascinating history of the woman whose immortalised cells created the famous HeLa cell line used in cancer research. The huge contribution to medical science that she made after her death stands in stark contrast to the racial injustice she endured during her life.

Not directly on topic but Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a raging yet beautifully poetic piece about racism in the US, written as a letter to the author’s son.

When not at work you can be found…

Going to any kind of live performance - music, theatre, dance... Eating/drinking good food and wine, preferably somewhere warm and by the sea. Spending too much time on Twitter.

Preferred contact (s) to be on the website (email, LinkedIn, Twitter etc)

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-silver-31295a252/

What is your hidden talent?

Being able to talk at length on any topic including those that I know absolutely nothing about.

What was your last impulse buy?

A bass guitar. Now gathering dust in the corner of the room.

What non-existent job do you wish existed?

Global internet kill-switch operator (to give everyone a break once in a while).

What quote resonates with you?

“Pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will” (paraphrasing Antoni Gramsci).

What is not a big deal to most people but is torture to you?

Posting something about myself on social media or on a website (i.e. this!)

Candice King - Patient and Public Engagement Manager (June 2023)

What does your role actually involve?

My role involves facilitating meaningful interactions between Genomics England’s Diverse Data programme and the people who are sharing their genomic information with us. Developing strategies to engage and involve those members of the community in what we do through planning and implementing relevant and meaningful engagement activities and involving them in decision-making processes are my bread and butter.

What were you doing before in previous lives?

I started my career off as an accountant before realising I was very much a ‘people’ person and returning to university to do a MSc Psychology conversion. I then worked in various roles spanning clinical and forensic psychology - which suited me a lot better than accounting! Alongside that and through my experience of being an adult with Cystic Fibrosis, I was contributing my own lived experience to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust patient and public involvement group, so when a role came up in the team, I snapped it up. As Involvement Manager I was focused on bringing the voices of people living with CF into clinical trials, research, and Trust strategy. I’ve seen first-hand the impact involving patients can have on the quality and impact of research and strategy.

Why you wanted to join the programme/Genomics England/why does the problem motivate you?

Having seen the impact engaging and involving people living with Cystic Fibrosis can have on health research (on a personal and professional level!) and subsequently the impact on quality of life of those living with the disease, I was excited to join the Diverse Data team to explore engaging and involving people from different backgrounds. I was excited to listen to and collaborate with the different communities we hope to impact, to begin to tackle the complex problem of health inequalities for minoritised communities in genomic medicine as a result of the substantial diversity gap that exists in human genomics. It’s a great privilege to be a part of the Diverse Data team in this role!

Top 3 articles/books/podcasts you’ve consumed on this topic

Genomics: How Genomic Sequencing Will Change our Lives, Wired – a simple to understand exploration of the transformative potential of genome sequencing and its impact on our future.

Martschenko, D.O., Wand, H., Young, J.L. et al. ‘Including multiracial individuals is crucial for race, ethnicity and ancestry frameworks in genetics and genomics.’ Nature Genetics (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-023-01394-y

Rebel Ideas, Matthew Syed – explores the power of diverse perspectives and unconventional thinking to drive innovation and solve complex problems.

When not at work you can be found…

On a tennis court or walking in the countryside, ideally in the sunshine (or even better on a beach or surfing somewhere hot, I’m a total beach baby) or on a yoga mat. Failing any active pursuits, with my nose in a book, or sipping a coffee (or wine, time of day permitting) with friends, having a natter – I’m a chatterbox.

Preferred contact (s) to be on the website (email, LinkedIn, Twitter etc)

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-king

What is one of your nicknames?

Candi – only teachers and people that are angry at me ever call me Candice.

Cats or dogs?

Cats – I used to have a sphynx cat called Archibald (see what I did there)

What is your go-to lazy dinner?

A baked potato, I’m obsessed – preferably lathered in cheese.

What mythical creature would you believe was real?

I honestly did believe hedgehogs were mythical creatures until about a year ago, I grew up in Hong Kong, South Africa and Dubai so I’d never seen one before!

What was your last impulse buy?

Two pieces of very tropical/colourful artwork for my office to make me feel like I was under palm trees on a beach whilst at work.

You can find more information on what the Diverse Data is up to here.