Alison obtained a BSc in Chemistry from Aston University and an MSc in Cancer Chemistry from the University of Leicester. She carried out her PhD studies at the University of Birmingham, investigating the photophysical properties of gold nanoparticles coated with luminescent lanthanide complexes and peptides. She then worked as a Research Technician at Bangor University developing electrochemical biosensors for the detection of botulinum neurotoxin. Alison joined the Rannard group in March 2015 to work on the development of solid drug nanoparticles in collaboration with Professor Andrew Owen