What inspired you to embark on a career in academic research?
From an early age I had a passion for science. Having changed my mind several times about what career to pursue, I finally settled on a scientific degree and haven’t looked back.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work in the USA at a research institute which allowed me to work on several different projects and develop a broad range of research skills. It was at this point I realised I loved being in the laboratory, designing and carrying out independent experiments but also being part of a larger research team.
Overall, I embarked in a career in academic research because I find it enjoyable, mentally challenging and extremely rewarding.
What was your path to join HAIM in Leeds?
My scientific journey started back in 1994 where I attended the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. I gained a BSc in Medical Microbiology followed by a MSc in Industrial Biotechnology. From there I had a short spell at GlaxoSmithKline before moving to San Diego and working as a Research Assistant at The SCRIPPS Research Institute.
Although it was hard to leave the sun, sea and beach behind, I returned to the UK in 2002 where I was lucky enough to secure a job with Reuben Tooze in Leeds and I am fortunate to still be working for both him and Gina Doody 23 years on.
What does your daily role entail?
The main research I have been involved in over the years has been in the development of an in vitro model of B cell differentiation to allow sequential exploration and manipulation at each stage of human Plasma cell differentiation.
Whilst the majority of my time is spent in the laboratory, particularly in tissue culture, carrying out practical experiments, I also spend time in the office analysing data and participate in regular lab meetings and journal clubs.
I am also actively involved in training and supporting members of our research group in various laboratory skills and techniques. In addition to this, I help look after and train members to use the tissue culture facility and have recently joined the local sustainability team.
What aspects of your role do you most enjoy?
The part of the job I find most enjoyable is being part of an interactive research group but also having the opportunity to interact with a mix of researchers working on other projects. I particularly enjoy the practical side of my job, optimising experiments and developing protocols and teaching other members of our laboratory group these techniques.
I also enjoy participating in the level 6 monthly cake club, particularly helpful on a bad scientific day, and more recently I have enjoy attending the technician networking events.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career?
I think it’s hard when you first leave university to know exactly what path you want your career to take. I think research is very rewarding but can also be very challenging at times. I think it’s important to work on a project that you find both interesting and fun but most importantly in an environment you feel happy in with supportive people around you.
I have been most fortunate in my career path always to have this but unfortunately, this is not the same for all. I would say to those researchers, give it another go somewhere different before you decide it’s not for you. However, don’t be afraid to change career paths if you decide it’s not the right option. You can still use your experience gained in research in many different fields and the key is to find something you enjoy doing (or at least don’t hate!) as you will be working for many years of your life.
