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Many Faces of Life Sciences
Explore our Life Sciences community
From a biomedical scientist to an editorial assistant, a haematology team leader to a medical student, meet our Many Faces of Life Sciences.
We are celebrating the achievements of talented people in life sciences, some of whom are alumni from Manchester Met.
Click on the individual stories below to read more about how they started their careers, their motivations, and what diversity means to them.
Many Faces of Life Sciences
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I’m loving every minute of my career and wouldn’t change it. It can be challenging at first to grasp the concepts, but it is definitely worth it in the end.
Olivia Coffi
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Biomedical Scientist, King’s College Hospital
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Get a part-time job or volunteer – do something to stand out from other graduates.
Danny Spilsbury
MSc Biomedical Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Lead Specialist for Technical and Scientific Development and Head of Centre for Manchester Blood Centre, NHS Blood and Transplant
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I worked with the University’s Careers Service to polish my CV and maximise my chances of employability.
Sumeyye Soydemir
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Editorial Assistant, Springer Nature
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I’d advise students to try and gain some sort of work experience – be it a temporary job or placement.
Abi Giles
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, Bangor University, Specialist Biomedical Scientist, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
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My year in industry was a valuable experience. I was able to complete the IBMS Training Portfolio for the Certificate of Competence.
Ayodele Osobu
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University , Biomedical Scientist, NHS
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Find a discipline that suits you best, and learn as much about it as you possibly can. Knowledge is key and knowing how to apply it.
Colin Mudd
Biomedical Science, Nottingham Trent University, Team Leader and Training Lead in Haematology, NHS
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I loved working in a laboratory during my Wellcome Trust Vacation Studentship and I wanted to continue research, so then went on to do a PhD.
Dr Amanda Unsworth
Lecturer in Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Manchester Metropolitan University
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I signed up for every optional activity at University and found other training on my own, so gained many valuable skills. Never stop improving your CV by taking the opportunities available to you.
Dr Araida Hidalgo
Senior Lecturer in Medical Cell Biology and Programme Leader for MBioMedSci, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Start developing your professional networks and graduate contacts during your degree. Make use of the University services available to support you. Gain as much experience as you can and embrace opportunities that will support your personal and professional development and career goals.
Dr Lisa Coulthwaite
Principal Lecturer, Medical Microbiology, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Go along to any careers events, get involved and speak to people. There are so many options with a Life Sciences degree!
Joanna Rowsell
BSc (Hons) Human Biology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Medical Student, St. George’s, University of London
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I would suggest that if you aspire to a career in Life Sciences, do your research. The range of roles available to graduates is so varied.
Keisha Golden
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Associate Manager, Adelphi Real World
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Balance is essential. I matched my academic life with a variety of extracurricular activities. I joined a range of societies during my studies such as a Health Academy Society as well as representing the University in football and boxing.
Rayhan Iqbal
BSc (Hons) Clinical Physiology (Cardiology), Swansea University, Cardiac Physiology Specialist
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Make the most of placements and study time which are essential for growth. Don't be afraid of making mistakes and reflect on a regular basis. It's very easy to be daunted by want lies ahead, but we don't always stop and look back at how far we have come.
Sagal Yusuf
Alumni, BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Respiratory and Sleep), Chief Clinical Respiratory Physiologist
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I take great pleasure in being able to help develop the next generation of biomedical scientists to continue to be integral contributors at the heart of healthcare.
Zonya Jeffery
Biological and Biochemical Sciences, University of Salford and Medical Microbiology, University of Surrey , Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Officer, Public Health England, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust