Profile - Christmas Lectures 2013

Curriculum Vitae

Education:

I went to Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, Dorset and then Cardiff University for my degree. I did my PhD at Cardiff University and Kings College London.
Qualifications:

I have GCSEs, A-levels, a degree in Biochemistry and a PhD.
Work History:

Apart from Saturday jobs in various places I now work at Oxford University as a Postdoctoral research associate in Dr Alison Woollard’s lab
Current Job:

At the moment I am investigating how cells proliferate (make more of themselves) or differentate (become specalised), with a particular interest in how this relates to cancer
Employer:

Oxford University

My Work

Most days I poke worms to see if they are alive, feed them and maybe look at their cells under a microscope
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These are some plates of worms and the tool we use to pick up the worms!

The incubator where the worms live…
My Typical Day

I might start my day desiging and making a new bit of DNA and then after lunch I will inject that DNA into my worms!
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My day starts at 7am and I finish when all my work is complete – but each day is different. Every day I check my worms are happy and well fed but after that I might cut up and stick together bits of DNA. I would inject the DNA into worms (using a big microscope and a joystick like on a computer game). Sometimes this goes well and sometimes if you inject too much DNA, you might blow up the worms! Some days I might look at stem cells under a microscope powered by a laser. Or, I might have presentations to prepare for and I always have a stack of papers to read! Of course, there is always time for coffee and cake.

This is the injection set-up

Me loading some DNA (coloured blue) into an agarose gel
My Interview
- My favourite CHRISTMAS LECTURE memory is:
  
  So far it has to be being filmed for one of the Ri advent videos!
  
  How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  
  Responsible, efficient, determined
  
  What or who inspired you to follow your career?
  
  My A-level biology teacher, especally when he showed us mitosis and meiosis using plasticine!
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  No. Ok, maybe just once or twice….
  
  What is the most fun thing you've done?
  
  Fencing is always good fun but reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro was fun too
My profile link:
https://ias.im/u.40481