Laura is a Health Services Research Fellow at the Institute of Health and Care Improvement at York St John University. Laura is also Professional Officer at a UK professional body. She previously held academic, research and strategic roles including leading health research at a Think Tank, delivering projects that addressed key healthcare challenges and shaped health policy through research informed insights. Laura’s academic experience includes a role as Associate Professor, where she combined teaching in Allied Health Professions with research, business development, and civic engagement activities. Laura has also worked with Public Health England, Cancer Research UK, and Sheffield Hallam University, contributing to public health strategies, health professional engagement and early cancer detection, and health education. Laura completed her PhD in spring 2024 titled: Enabling coping in people living with cancer and severe mental illness. This research explored how individuals with severe mental illness perceived their needs when diagnosed with and treated for cancer.