Dr Andrea Collins graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology from Leicester University in 1996. This was followed by an MPhil in Molecular and Cellular Immunology and Oncology at the University of Birmingham in 1997 and a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Warwick in 2002.
Andrea began her career with Micropathology Ltd as a University of Sheffield TCS associate, investigating the detection of circulating cancer cells in the blood of breast cancer patients. This project drew upon the knowledge and expertise in qualitative and quantitative PCR methods for the detection of low copy numbers of target sequence currently in practice within the company.
In 2004, following completion of the breast cancer project, Andrea assumed the role of a post-doctoral scientist and undertook responsibility for the HIV-1 RNA quantitation and drug resistance testing service. She also developed and validated several 'in-house' diagnostic tests in response to customer demands and changes in diagnostic methodology.
Andrea completed the Biomedical Scientist training, and after a subsequent upgrade in her registration to become a Member of the Institute of Biomedical Science, she completed the IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Quality Management. In 2012 Andrea became the Quality Manager at Micropathology Ltd.