Sophie began working at University of Birmingham in 2009, in the Primary Care Clinical Research Trials Unit. Sophie moved to the department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics to work as the Maternity Theme Co-ordinator on the Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research (CLAHRC) West Midlands. Working closely with Professor Sara Kenyon and Professor Christine MacArthur, Sophie was immediately taken with maternity research. Working particularly on the ELSIPS Trial (Evaluation of Lay Support In Pregnant women with Social risks) Sophie collaborated with maternity healthcare professionals, NHS managers, healthcare commissioners, and third-sector organisations. Working alongside clinical midwives in particular sparked Sophie’s passion for midwifery and excellent maternity care.
Sophie left the university in 2013 to commence her training as a midwife at University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire. After graduating in 2016, Sophie worked clinically in Coventry for 2 years to complete her preceptorship. In 2018, Sophie moved to Birmingham Women’s Hospital to work as a Research Midwife. This involved working on the frontline of clinical research, conducting research and trials, service evaluations, and local QI projects. Sophie also took the role of PI and Lead Midwife on numerous studies including CTIMPs.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Sophie returned to clinical practice to work as a Community Midwife at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. Alongside this role, Sophie undertook a Masters in Research at the University of Birmingham, funded by the Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West Midlands, which was completed in 2022.
Sophie returned to University of Birmingham as a Research Fellow in 2023, working on numerous projects with various collaborators, on the Maternity theme of the Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West Midlands.
Sophie also has a passion for teaching, which is evident in her role as a Parent Education Instructor for the Baby Academy since 2020. Sophie regularly teaches live virtual classes to hundreds of parents on various midwifery topics, including intrapartum and postnatal choices, baby care, breastfeeding, infant first aid (including CPR), and mental wellbeing. Sophie also teaches on numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the College of Medicine and Health.
Sophie continues to be passionate about maternity research and providing the best care possible to women, birthing people, babies, partners and families.