As a teenager…
I was quiet and I was studious. I never liked to be noticed and I found very early on that my best chance to carve out my own life was a) to have a boyfriend who was bigger than anyone else’s and b) focus on my schoolwork and get good grades in my exams. I had a few close friends but I was introverted and didn’t like noisy parties, the politics of teenagers and I couldn’t abide how cruel they could be to one another.
After school…
I went to Aberdeen University because I got a government grant. It allowed me to live away from home and learn how to stand on my own two feet. I discovered the subject of human anatomy and by 19 years of age found myself in the dissecting room studying a human cadaver. I loved it. There was so much learning to be done and so much attention to detail. I then started to apply my research to forensic investigations.
Now I’m…
Now I am a Professor of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology and Lancaster University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Engagement. I have a BSc, a PhD and 6 other honorary degrees. I was awarded an OBE by her Majesty the Queen after the war crimes investigations in Kosovo and then she honoured me again with a DBE (Dame). But I am most proud of being a Mum to three beautiful daughters and a Grandmother to two little charmers.
