Profile

I was born in Essex, grew up in Dorset, but now live in Liverpool! During the day I am usually in the lab trying to figure out why medicines that should make us better can actually make some people more ill. In my spare time I enjoy dancing, running, and cooking, and my favourite place to be is by the sea.

Not everybody reacts in the same way when treated with medicines. One reason for this is because we have different DNA. DNA is what determines how living things look and function.

Mitochondria are parts of our cells that make energy. This energy is used for important jobs, such as cell growth – so the mitochondria are really powerful!

Mitochondria also have their own DNA. I am researching how this DNA may influence how different people react to medicines, and particularly how this can cause liver damage in certain people.

Being a scientist is great because each day is slightly different.

I get to work at 9, and usually check my emails first. After this, I will look at my diary to see what I have planned for the day. Usually I have lab work to do. This can be for a variety of things, but almost always starts with checking on the cells I have growing in the lab. I check these to make sure they’re healthy, have enough nutrients, and haven’t become too big for their container.

After this, I will carry out experiments. Most of my work involves checking how cells respond to different drugs. To test this, I will measure the energy or protein levels of the cells, or stain them using fluorescent dyes so I can look at any changes under a microscope.

When I’m not in the lab I will be at my desk analysing data, reading, and writing. A large part of being a scientist involves reading about work that other scientists are doing, and writing reports about our own work. Luckily, I share my office with some brilliant people, so there’s always time for a chat and cup of tea to break up the hard work!

When I am finished for the day I head home at around 5pm. Most days I go for a run, and then either chill at home with my boyfriend, or go out to meet friends.