What inspired you to embark on a career in academic research?
I’ve been interested in cancer research since early on in my undergraduate degree and have wanted to be involved in that area of research ever since. Over time, that interest has developed into a real motivation to build a career in academia and hopefully contribute to research that could eventually make a difference for patients.
I really enjoy the process of scientific research, particularly the chance to ask new questions and work towards finding the answers. There’s something satisfying about starting with an idea or observation and gradually building a clearer understanding through experiments and analysis. It keeps the work interesting and makes each small breakthrough feel worthwhile.
Along the way, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside several inspiring and brilliant researchers who have helped shape my path. Their enthusiasm, dedication, knowledge, and support have had a big influence on my decision to pursue a career in academic research.
What was your path to join HAIM in Leeds?
I initially studied Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (MBiochem) at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, where I was awarded a First-Class Honours Degree in 2017. I then secured a PhD studentship funded by Brain Research UK to study for a DPhil in Oncology at the Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, which I completed in 2022. This doctoral research, carried out in the Seymour Group, concentrated on enhancing oncolytic virotherapy (cancer-bursting viruses) for glioblastoma, with the goal of boosting immune activation and improving therapeutic outcomes.
After my DPhil, I stayed in the Seymour Group as a post-doc and laboratory manager for several months, working on various projects involving oncolytic viruses and immune engagers. I then applied for a 2-year post-doctoral position advertised at the University of Leeds Haematology and Immunology Division with Fiona Errington-Mais, Graham Cook and Sue Burchill. This Sarcoma UK-funded project gave me the opportunity to continue with my research interests working on oncolytic viruses and cancer immunotherapies, with a focus for Ewing sarcoma. Having spent nearly a decade in Oxford, I moved back up north to my hometown of Leeds in 2023 to continue working on oncolytic viruses and immunotherapy and have been funded by Sarcoma UK since.
What does your daily role entail?
My project is almost entirely lab based, so I spend most of my days in viral tissue culture on Level 5 in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building. When I do occasionally emerge from tissue culture, I tend to do most of my analysis at my desk in the office. I am now halfway through my second post-doc project in Leeds, currently working on a project investigating the role of the extracellular matrix on immunotherapies for Ewing sarcoma.
I have done some teaching for undergraduate medical students as part of the ENQUIRE 1 course, leading a project exploring the use of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma. I am also currently supervising an MSc Cancer Biology and Therapy student research project.
What aspects of your role do you most enjoy?
What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to explore new ideas and test new ideas, specifically in cancer immunotherapy. I really enjoy the process of turning an idea into an experiment and seeing how it plays out in practice — especially when something I’ve planned works really well. That hands-on, practical side of the work is really rewarding and keeps things interesting day to day.
I also really enjoy working as part of a team. I’m surrounded by brilliant people on Level 5 (and beyond), who make it a genuinely enjoyable place to work and keep spirits high even on more challenging days.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career?
Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Often science doesn’t go the way you planned or the way you want it to go. It’s important to acknowledge each and every time you (and your colleagues) do something well or when something works. Whether that is presenting your research in a lab meeting, getting an experiment to work after months of optimisation, learning something you didn’t know before, or even just making a new figure for a paper.
Also, ask lots of questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Generally, everyone is more than happy to answer.
