What sparked your interest in Natural Sciences?  

My incredible secondary school Biology teacher was one of my biggest inspirations. She was so passionate about what she was teaching and was always going off-curriculum with subjects and examples of how fascinating the natural world is. Before that, my Dad and I loved watching documentaries together while I was growing up. These were on a variety of scientific topics, including evolution and geosciences. 

Can you tell us about your career journey? 

My first job after graduating was as a Research Assistant in one of the laboratory groups that I had worked for during my undergraduate degree. I processed samples for some of the laboratory’s long-term experiments such as samples taken from a river recovering from a pesticide spill. As I had already proven myself to be a capable scientist while working with them previously, they were happy to take me on between my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

I am currently a PhD student and I work on the intersection of antimicrobial resistance and climate change. I conduct new research into these fields as well as being involved with teaching and outreach.

How did your University experience prepare you for your career? 

Both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees gave me an excellent foundation to build my career in the Natural Sciences. They gave me a broad understanding of theories through a wide range of optional modules. I also learned a lot about research practices and developed laboratory, research and presenting skills alongside building my confidence in designing and carrying out experiments as an independent researcher. 

I undertook a laboratory research placement in between my second and third years. This really helped me to develop my research skills that I would take forward in my career.

In terms of other voluntary and extracurricular activities, my undergraduate degree gave me the option to gain a volunteering certificate that acknowledged hours spent working for committees of university societies. I volunteered for fifty hours in my second year and seventy hours in my third year. I was also involved with the “mums and dads scheme” in my second year, where I mentored five first-year students, which I found incredibly rewarding. I also ran the Arts and Crafts Society during my postgraduate degree, providing members with a much-needed break once a week.

What are your greatest achievements so far?  

Getting my undergraduate degree is one of my greatest achievements. I’m a queer, autistic, woman of colour and the common idea of someone working in sciences was a straight white man. But I pursued my interests anyway and I have achieve more than anyone ever thought that I would.

The biggest thing I have had to work with during my journey has been my autism. I remember professionals telling my parents when I was younger that I would never achieve anything in my life. When I walked across the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to receive my undergraduate degree certificate, trying my best not to trip over, my family crying with joy from the circle, I would have loved those professionals to have seen me at that moment.

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in Natural Sciences? 

Never believe anyone who says you can’t do something and never lose your curiosity. We are naturally curious creatures and too often that gets squashed out of us. Never stop asking questions and question everything you read. Remember that “curiosity killed the cat” is not the full saying. “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back”.

What does diversity in Natural Sciences mean to you?

Diversity in Natural Sciences means that a vast array of experiences and voices are listened to, learned from and involved in all its related areas.

Diversity in this industry, as in every industry, is not only important but necessary as I believe that innovation can only happen effectively when people from different backgrounds and different things to bring to the table come together and work towards a common goal. 

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