Alison works at the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust research programme based at Kilifi, Kenya.

She is a doctor, researching prevention and treatment of malnutrition in children. Her research is community based, working with young mothers to improve infant feeding. Alison also co-ordinates a work-based bible study group and serves on the development committee of St Thomas’ Church. She chairs the management board of Upendo Orphans’ Support Project, a Methodist project assisting 62 orphans to stay at home with their extended families.