Like many students, I found the drudgery of real experiments and the slowness of progress a complete shock, and at my low points I contemplated other alternative careers including study of the philosophy or sociology of science.

I met my wife Anne who was a sociology student, and her influence together with activities associated with the student movement of the time opened up my interests amongst other things into the theatre, art, music, politics and philosophy.

I have an idealistic view of science as a liberalising and progressive force for humanity.

Therefore, I reasoned that study of the cell cycle responsible for the reproduction of cells was important and might even be illuminating about the nature of life.

We want all students to be reading at grade level and meet the AYP (adequate yearly progress) requirements of the No Child Left Behind,

I was by far the youngest of the family, and at times it was like being an only child.