I am currently a PhD student working alongside Prof. Lesley Anderson, Dr Lisa Iversen and Dr Stephanie Bruce looking at a rare group of blood cancers called the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). After starting my PhD, I was successful in securing a research assistant position in the MOSAICC study, with my role specifically looking at toenail trace element concentration in MPN patients in comparison to healthy controls.
What brought you to the University of Aberdeen?
The project, for sure.
What is your current focus?
As with all PhD projects I'm sure, I have a number of things on the go and am researching everything from patient pathways to MPN diagnosis with the hope of identifying areas for earlier intervention and symptoms experienced by MPN patients at the time of diagnosis, to the role of trace metals in the development and pathogenesis of MPN as well as molecular biomarkers associated with MPNs. Soon, I'll be working on a project with the data safe haven which will link local NHS Grampian data with cancer registry data. Blood cancer is my main research interest, and I hope to stay focused on this area throughout my research career.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Definitely making a contribution (however small) to our understanding of such an understudied blood cancer.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time to relax?
Spare time? Just kidding! I love spending time with my children, my partner Chris and my parents Diane and Harry. I also love to bake cakes, although I'm a perfectionist so it's not what I would call “relaxing”.
What made you choose this career?
Before undertaking my PhD, I worked in the field of molecular genomics in a lab-based environment. I absolutely loved my job and the people that I worked with, however soon realised that I would never be able to be happy in that kind of environment because I'm too nosey. I wanted to understand specific results, not just report them. I enjoy looking at data, and have a particular interest in blood cancers after watching my grandpa battle lymphoma.
If you could go back in time and choose a different career, what would you choose and why?
I feel like I've already done this once and I love what I do now! My partner always jokes that I could win the lottery and would turn up to work the next day.
What do you think is the most challenging part about your job?
Managing my own time. Sorry, Lesley.
What is an accomplishment in life you are proud of?
Is it cheesy to say my children? Definitely my children. Without them I'd be useless.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
A few people. My nana was perfect in every way, and I won't hear any other opinions on it. She's who I want to be when I grow up. My mum, dad, partner and children inspire me every day to work hard to maybe one day achieve something that will make them proud. My supervisor, Lesley, for showing me that being a mum won't stop me from progressing, and finally… Marie Skłodowska-Curie for smashing gender bias to be the first person to win two Nobel prizes in different disciplines all the way back before women even had the right to vote. Iconic.
