Dr Brooke Magnanti

Author and academic

Judge , 2012

Brooke is a research scientist, blogger and author.

She has worked in forensic science, epidemiology, chemoinformatics and cancer research. Brooke received a BSc from Florida State University in 1996, where she studied in the anthropology and mathematics departments.

She later studied for a Master's in genetic epidemiology at the University of Sheffield and earned a PhD in the forensic pathology department there.

She is the author of the bestselling 'Belle de Jour' series of books, which were adapted into the hit ITV show 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl'. She was formerly a columnist for the 'Sunday Telegraph' and 'Erotic Review' as well as contributing pieces to the 'Guardian', 'Big Issue' and 'Town'. Her latest book, 'The Sex Myth', has just been published.