Stories from the Lab - camlifelab.co.uk · Institute was to understand genomes particularly through large-scale sequencing and analysis. A leader in the Human Genome Project, the

Stories from the Lab

Where do they work?

All the scientists taking part in LifeLab work in world-leading research organisations with unique stories to share. These are:

The European Bioinformatics Institute

The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) freely provides data from life

community and performs research in computational biology. As the European centre for bioinformatics services, the institute manages over 50 databases containing biological data such as nucleic acid, protein sequences and macromolecular structures. More than 6 million scientists around the world use EMBL-EBI’s databases and tools to research human health, food security, biodiversity and much, much more.

Wellcome Sanger Institute

The original focus of the Wellcome Sanger Institute was to understand genomes particularly through large-scale sequencing and analysis. A leader in the Human Genome Project, the institute is now focused on understanding the role of genetics in health and disease. Our research uncovers the basis of genetic and infectious disease. We aim to provide results that can be translated into diagnostics, treatments or therapies that reduce global health burdens.

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the world’s leading research institutes. Discoveries and inventions developed at the MRC LMB, for example DNA sequencing, humanised antibodies and methods to determine the structure of proteins, have revolutionised all areas of biology. Our scientists work to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level – from atoms and molecules, to cells and organisms. This information will help us to understand the workings of complex systems, such as the immune system and the brain, and solve key problems in human health.

The University of Cambridge

One of the world’s oldest research institutions, the University of Cambridge is globally recognised as a leading academic centre. The University’s mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at an internationally excellent standard. Research in the School of Biological Sciences and School of Clinical Medicine is broad ranging: from animal, plant and microbial systems – at atomic and whole organism scales- to the basic, clinical and translational research relating to a diverse range of medical conditions and treatments. All research at the University aims to generate meaningful and lasting impacts on society.

Meet the LifeLab Scientists

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The Babraham Institute

The Babraham Institute undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at

how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing.

@camlifelab

LifeLab is a celebration of all the latest scientific discoveries and technologies taking place right on your doorstep. This booklet will introduce you to people from many different backgrounds who work in the bioscience sector. They will tell you about what they do, how they got there, and why they love their jobs. Take a look and see if one of them is the perfect career for you!

Melissa BurkeScientific Training Officer European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)

About me

I grew up on a cattle farm in Australia. My parents are maths and science teachers so it’s not too much of a surprise that I ended up in science. Outside work, I love being outdoors, particularly hiking. I also sew and knit and make a lot of my own clothes.

What do I do?

I organise face-to-face and online courses for scientists so that they can learn about new topics and scientific methods. Before this, I researched infectious diseases like tuberculosis (a lung infection) and worm infections to try and understand how our bodies fight them off.

Keep an open mind and keep learning”

My career highlights:

• Bachelor Biomedical Science• Master Science

Clinical Microbiology• PhD Molecular Parasitology• Postdoctoral Researcher Monash

University (Australia) and The Francis Crick Institute (UK)

• Scientific Curator, EMBL-EBI• Scientific Training Officer

(e-learning), EMBL-EBI• Postgraduate Certificate in

Learning Technologies

What is the best thing about my job?

The people. I get to meet people from all over the world and hear about all the exciting science that they are doing. I love that I get to learn about lots of different things rather than focusing on one topic all the time.

My top tip for a career in science

Keep an open mind and keep learning. You never know where your career might take you.

@camlifelab

Andrew HerculesUser Experience Designer European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)

About me

I’m originally from Toronto, Canada but packed up and moved across the Atlantic Ocean to work for EMBL-EBI. When I was younger, I wanted to be a meteorologist. I saw the movie Twister and imagined I would spend my life chasing extreme weather around the world. But as I grew up, my interests changed and instead, I found myself building a career that lets me combine my passion for science with the things I’ve always loved to do in my spare time - storytelling, writing, and design.

What do I do?

I am part of a team that builds websites that help scientists identify genes that could cure different diseases. My role is to understand what people want when they visit our website. I often interview scientists and watch how they work. I design new features and visualisations based on what they need to do for their job.


Science is a rapidly evolving field and not a day goes by where I don’t learn something new. I like knowing that the work I’m doing could one day help a scientist develop a new drug that cures a disease.


There are different ways to get involved in science. I didn’t follow a traditional path as I don’t have a degree in science or technology. There are a range of roles that don’t require a background in science but you need to be eager to learn and adaptable because the field changes so quickly.

Be adaptable because the field changes so quickly”


• Bachelor of Arts in political science• Master of Arts in journalism and

media studies• Lived, worked, and studied in

Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom

• Once worked as a radio presenter and had my own YouTube channel


Emma CarpenterResearch Assistant / PhD-to-be! Wellcome Sanger Institute

About me

I grew up in Devon and always wanted to be a cartoonist… I certainly failed there, but I’m glad I changed my mind! As you can tell from my photo, I like video games (!), animals, drawing, and trying to figure out why things are they way they are.

What do I do?

I’m working out which genes in the malaria parasite are responsible for resistance to drugs. Malaria parasites live in mosquitoes and spread from bite-to-bite, making you feel like you have the worst flu in the world. Many people die from malaria because the drugs don’t work, and that’s not acceptable! I want to help make a new medicine that will cure the world!

Mistakes are good ways of finding out what you’re made of – embrace your ignorance!”


• 12 GCSEs• A-levels: Biology, Chemistry

and Maths• University of Cambridge:

BA Plant Sciences, MSc Biochemistry, PhD at Sanger!!, and 2 Research Assistant jobs in UK and Belgium


I love the people I work with - not a single one of my fellow scientists is a stuffy old man with a grey beard! Everyone is willing to help you solve biological problems. And when you do… what a feeling!


Take it slow. When rushing into education, jobs, the next step… I ended up in some terrible places. You deserve to feel good about the choices you make about your future. There’s no rush, there’s always science to be done!

@camlifelab

Tapoka MkandawirePhD Student Wellcome Sanger Institute

About me

I am originally from Malawi, a small country in South-Eastern Africa, and my second home is the North of England- I grew up in Liverpool and used to live in Manchester. When I’m not experimenting in the lab, I’m normally experimenting with food- trying new recipes or restaurants. I also like to get out into nature for a good long walk, or stay in with a good book.

What do I do?

I work with the human gut; the gut is a hive of activity with lots of different individuals working together. All these activities have different effects and can make us healthy or feel unwell. The individuals I am interested in are the gut bacteria and the whipworm. Whipworm affects millions of people in tropical countries and can make children very ill. The bacteria in our guts talk to the worms and understanding what messages are shared between them will help us beat this disease.


The best thing is getting to collaborate on projects, both in and out of science, with so many interesting people.


Stay curious! Learn as much about the world as you can; and always ask why- science is about thinking critically, it’s always good to know why you are doing something.

Being successful isn’t just about gaining the most knowledge, always look for ways to share what you know!”


• Asked my parents if I could turn the shed into a lab

• 9 GCSEs, 5 A-Levels• BSc Molecular Biology

University of Manchester• Worked for a gene therapy

company and got my first paper• Masters and PhD at Sanger

and Cambridge


PhD Student

Carine StapelEuropean Molecular Biology Organization Fellow Babraham Institute

About me

I grew up in Amersfoort, a small city in the Netherlands. At high school I discovered a passion for science and did my BSc and MSc in Biomedical Science in Utrecht (the Netherlands). Since my bachelors I knew that I wanted a career in science and as such did a PhD in Dresden (Germany) on embryo development. My research in cell development brought me to the Babraham Institute in Cambridge. Since I am often in the lab or behind a computer, I enjoy being outdoors and explore Cambridgeshire’s countryside on my bike. When it rains I like to try and cook food from all over the world.

What do I do?

I am a European funded fellow. I study how embryonic cells develop into any cell type in the body and which genes are involved. Currently I learn a lot via computational biology to get a first understanding and then I’ll progress into the lab to see what happens when specific genes are switched on or off. If we understand how this development works, we can better identify what happens when something goes wrong if a disease interferes.

You don’t only learn about science, but also about cultures and countries”


• BSc and MSc in biomedical Sciences

• 2 research projects in the USA during my masters

• PhD at the Max Planck Institute in Dresden, Germany

• 2 European funded fellowships


In science, the job can be tailored to your interests and what you want to learn and do as there are so many different research areas to choose from. And with everyone speaking English, there is a breath of potential employers all over the world. Wherever you are, it will always be a very international environment with opportunities to travel.


Science can sometimes be hard and stressful work, especially when things don’t work out as you’d hoped. Always keep the big picture in mind and if answers are difficult to find, the process of finding them becomes even more rewarding.

@camlifelab

Alex WhalePostdoctoral researcher Babraham Institute

About me

I was born and raised in Essex in England. For my bachelors I moved to Newcastle and after graduation I worked in the pharma industry for two years. During that time I realised I wanted to do a PhD so I returned to Newcastle University. While doing my PhD I also got my pilot licence so I am now able to call myself a doctor and fly in small airplanes. Now I work as a researcher at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge. Outside work I enjoy life and friends and we regularly try to meet up to do something fun like going to the cinema or bowling.

What do I do?

I am a second year postdoc. We try to understand how it is possible that cancer cells become immune to chemotherapy due to mutations, called copy number variation, in the DNA. We are trying to identify a drug target that could stop these mutations from happening and as such make chemotherapy more successful. In order to understand the mechanisms and find the answers I spend a lot of time in the lab working with yeast cells.


I enjoy the freedom in academic research. You don’t always know what the outcomes will be or what areas you’ll step into next. It encourages me to never stop learning.


When you are at school or in uni, be open minded to learn what you find interesting. For once you find something that inspires you, it all becomes easier and you’ll find your drive and motivation.

If you are curious about how things work, academia is the way to go!”


• GCSE in double science• A levels in biology, physics,

chemistry, psychology and English literature

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University

• MSc and PhD at Newcastle University


Nadua BayzidResearch Support Assistant MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

About me

Being a proud West African who was born in The Gambia, I grew up in Sussex and I have always been interested in different cultures and travel. I also love fashion, eating out and going to the gym alongside science.

What do I do?

I work with DNA in Genotyping. DNA is found inside your cells and is what makes you YOU! Sections of your DNA are called genes. Genotyping is looking at the differences in these genes. We use something called a PCR reaction to get a profile of all the different versions of genes that cause diseases.

Stop waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. Light it up yourself ”


• 11 GCSE’s• 4 A-levels• BSc in Biomedical Science• A placement year in

The Gambia working with Hepatisis B

• EASL Poster Presentation• Genotyping


I get to do experiments that help support lots of different researchers who are looking into how your genes are linked to lots of different diseases!


There’s lots of hard work in science but it’s really worth it when you get to do lots of fun experiments and discover new things every day.

@camlifelab

Claudia BonfioChemist MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

About me

I grew up in Siena, Italy. My first science teacher ignited my love of science when I was 6 years old. I studied Chemistry in Italy (BSc in Siena, MSc in Padova, PhD in Trento) and then I moved here to Cambridge… It seems I don’t like to live in the same place for too long. I love cooking (and then eating!), spending time with friends, watching TV series (Game of Thrones!). The best thing is that you can do it all at once!

What do I do?

I have always been captivated by the question “How did life first evolve?” At work I am trying to understand how life began on Earth: I design and carry out chemical reactions in the lab to recreate the essential building blocks of life.

If we understand how life may have emerged on Earth, we can use this information to help us look for evidence of life on other planets, and maybe answer the question “Are we alone in the Universe?”!


Every time I have an unexpected result… which means there is still a lot to learn before answering my scientific questions!

“It is the journey, and not the destination that makes our life more meaningful” (Paulo Coelho)


Be curious, be accurate, be a dreamer.

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”


• First class honours (BSc, MSc, PhD)

• Reaxys SCI Young Researcher Award

• 100 Under 30, Forbes Italy

- Carl Sagan


Nicola LawrenceBiological Imaging Specialist The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute

About me

I am originally from Oldham in the North West of England. I enjoy nature walks and crocheting. Thanks to my two sons I now also have an appreciation for football and computer games.

Science is all about making discoveries. Keep asking questions.”


• 9 GSCEs• 4 A levels (Maths, Further

Maths, Chemistry and Geology)• BA in Natural Sciences from

the University of Cambridge• PhD in Developmental Biology• Post-doctoral researcher

in Developmental Biology and Imaging

• Biological Imaging Specialist at the Gurdon Institute

@camlifelab

What do I do?

I’m a light microscope expert. I train other scientists to use our microscopes and help them to plan experiments. We use microscopes to understand how cells work and to study diseases such as cancer and causes of dementia.


The microscopic world is very beautiful. I also enjoy seeing things down a microscope that no-one on the planet has ever seen before! This happens more than you might think.


If you get the chance, talk to some scientists! There must be thousands of different careers in science and they are not all in the lab.


Charlotte PaynePhD Candidate Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology

About me

I grew up in Oxford, where I read a lot of books and dreamt of living and working in wilder environments – deep jungles and high seas. What do I do?

I do research on edible insects. This often means spending time in communities where insects are collected and eaten, and trying to understand how they fit with the local culture and ecosystem.


No one finds it boring! Some people LOVE eating insects, some people think it’s strange but intriguing, others think it’s disgusting. Either way, it opens up conversations about so many other things – food, culture, environmental issues – and it’s something that everyone has an opinion on. I love that.


Do what you love, every step of the way. Scientific careers aren’t always predictable, but that’s no bad thing - think of it as an adventure.

Be kind, keep an open mind – and remember, you’ve got this”


• BA Biological Anthropology, University of Cambridge, including fieldwork in Costa Rica and Uganda

• Studied and worked in Japan as a Daiwa Scholar and then as a MEXT Scholar, with fieldwork in Gifu prefecture and Zimbabwe

• Started a PhD in Zoology at Cambridge in 2015, with fieldwork in Burkina Faso

@camlifelabDiscover more camlifelab.co.uk

Ross HillPhD Student MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

James BlackshawData Scientific EngineerEuropean Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)

What do I do?

I am a geneticist studying how the integrity of DNA is maintained in germ cells. Germ cells are the only cells in an organism capable of passing genetic information on to the next generation. I investigate how germ cells preserve the integrity of their genetic information for subsequent generations.


I have always really enjoyed the practical side of science. Whilst there is a great deal to be said for elegant hypotheses and scientific discussions, nothing quite beats the satisfaction you get from a well-executed experiment.


Follow your interests. Careers in science can be incredibly rewarding and exciting, but there will also be difficult periods along the way, and these periods are always made easier if you’re genuinely passionate and interested in what you study and can work through the problems.

About me

I’m originally from Skegness, a quintessential British seaside town where I attended a local school. I was fortunate enough to have an incredibly passionate Biology teacher who strongly encouraged me to pursue a career in science. I studied cancer biology and immunology at the University of Bristol and then worked briefly at the National Institute of Medical Research before ending up here in Cambridge. I’m a happy-go-lucky person with very green fingers, often found in the garden!

About me

I grew up in Leicestershire, and wanted to be a scientist since I was about 8. In part because I use hearing aids, and I wondered why my ears didn’t work properly and what might be done to help that in future. In my last year at university, my supervisor suggested that I might want to apply for a computational biology Masters degree he used to run. I’d always wanted to learn to code, so I gave it a go! I enjoyed it more than I did the lab work, and when I decided to do a PhD, I applied for a computer-based project. When I’m not working on data, I enjoy martial arts, cooking and home brewing (which is the closest I get to a lab these days!).


I get to know that lots of other scientists use the websites I’m responsible for. I can see I’m having an impact, and EMBL-EBI is a great place to work at if you want to learn.


Take time to remind yourself why you care about the work. I try to volunteer for a public engagement project every year or so, because I love talking with people about science and how it relates to them.

What do I do?

I manage the data that goes into two large drug databases at the EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) in Hinxton. We enable researchers to link lots of different information sources together, so that they can easily learn as much as possible about a drug or new chemical. My career highlights:

• First class Honours (BSc)• Cellular and Molecular Medicine

award• Cambridge Cancer Centre PhD

scholarship• Giving talks at conferences (USA

and UK)


• Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology. Year in industry at a pharmaceutical company.

• Master of Research in Computational Biology,

• PhD in Biology, modelling the metabolism of the malaria parasite.

• Postdoc in the School of Clinical Medicine, working on the genetics of heart disease.

• Scientific Data Engineer at the European Bioinformatics Institute.

Science is a way of thinking, much more than it is a body of knowledge”- Carl Sagan


Manik GargResearch Fellow European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)

What do I do?

I use computers to analyse all kinds of different biological data to help scientists find chemicals and medicines for treating different diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and skin cancer. This saves a lot of time and resources compared to trying out various medicines on patients without knowing whether they will work or not. Also, not everyone responds in the same way to certain medicine, but by carefully analysing a patient’s personal data, we can find the best treatment for them – this is called personalised medicine.


I can work from anywhere that has access to a charging port with electricity and a high-speed internet connection. This means I can easily adjust my workplace to break the monotony.

About me

I am a 26 years old scientist from Kanpur, India. I’m a coding enthusiast and love to spend my time discussing life in general with friends and family.


Be curious! Science is a rapidly advancing field, so you should always stay informed and be confident to explore new things.


• B.Tech in Biotechnology, IIT Guwahati, India

• M.Sc. in Neurosciences and Neuroengineering, EPFL, Switzerland

• Research Fellow in Functional Genomics, EMBL-EBI, UK

It is all for the best!”

@camlifelab

Robert BarberResearch Assistant / PhD-to-be!Wellcome Sanger Institute

About me

In my early life I was always interested in animals, and originally wanted to be a vet. I was unsuccessful but ended up doing Zoology and am so happy I did! I ended up falling in love with plant and animal research ever since. I was lucky enough to travel doing fieldwork, work in high-tech labs, and even meet Sir David Attenborough!


Long read technology is the cutting edge of sequencing, which means we’re always hearing about and helping the coolest research. And the real highlight is when you hear that your work has actually gone on to help conserve animals across the world.


Get outside. If you’re into biology go for walks and learn what you’re seeing. You’d be surprised how excited you can get about bugs. And it pays off when one day you’re pond dipping in the rainforest.

What do I do?

I work in the Long Read Team at Sanger, responsible for sequencing really long bits of DNA. These can go into millions of bases long! Typically we work on plants and animals, including everything from butterflies to badgers. With this information we can help agriculture, medicine and conservation, such as finding out how some animals are more resistant to climate change.


• 12 GCSEs• A-levels in Biology, Chemistry,

Maths• University of Nottingham• MSci – Zoology• Field courses to Portugal and

Tanzania!• Future PhD at Imperial on the

ecology of birds!

Don’t be afraid to say you don’t understand something. I do it almost every day”


Beth SampherPlacement Student (future Bioinformatics apprentice) Wellcome Sanger Institute

What do I do?

My team write software to support lab work. I’m still learning, but where I can I write code to help improve the software. This can include fixing problems, adding new features, or retrieving data we need to look at.


Being able to challenge myself every day. I’m constantly learning and I love applying my knowledge to write code and solve problems.


Networking can open up so many oppor-tunities. And apprenticeships are definitely something to be considered!

About me

I came to Sanger after finishing my A levels. I was interested in biology and I’d learnt about some of the great work going on here from visiting on a school trip and having a day’s work experience. During my placement on the Stem Cell Informatics team I’ve learnt a lot about computing and coding. I’m very excited to start my Bioinformatics degree appren-ticeship! Outside of work, I regularly swim in a club and I like to get out and about with friends and family.


• 10 GCSEs• Extended Project• 3 A levels (Biology, Chemistry,

Psychology)• 10 month placement at Sanger• Starting a 4 year Bioinformatics

degree apprenticeship!

Make the most of each day and take advantage of every opportunity!”

@camlifelab

Mike NormanScience Engagement and Outreach officerWellcome Genome Campus - Connecting Science

About me

I am into running, swimming, watching movies and playing videogames. I’m a gay man who grew up in Littleport (near Ely) and was the first person in my family to go to university. I really enjoy science and finding out why the world works the way it does. I never knew any scientists growing up so had no idea what a career in science was but kept doing what I enjoyed and ended up being a researcher before switching to a science communication job.

What do I do?

My job now is all around telling people about the amazing research that happens on a campus like the Wellcome Genome Campus. There is so much stuff that most people think can only happen in sci-fi movies that is literally possible and happening every day! Whilst doing research I studied electrogenic bacteria that live in the soil all around us and essentially generate electricity. I really liked this research as it linked interesting biology and chemistry with green energy applications.


Getting to meet so many people with different viewpoints on science is the best part. Helping people to realise just how awesome the world around them actually is, is the best job I can imagine!


Don’t be put off by thinking science isn’t for you. If you think you might like doing science then give it a go and find out!


• Doing my research PhD• Getting to travel around the world for

work• Getting my dream job at the

Wellcome Genome Campus!

Dilly-dally, shilly-shally!”

LifeLab is part of European Researchers’ Night, supported by the European Commission under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions.

LifeLab is coordinated by Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement partnering with five Cambridgeshire-based research institutions: The Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Babraham Institute, EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute, the University of Cambridge and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.

LifeLab brings cutting-edge research and discovery to life on your doorstep so that everyone can get involved and explore the huge opportunities our region has to offer.

@camlifelab

camlifelab.co.uk

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Stories from the Lab - camlifelab.co.uk · Institute was to understand genomes particularly through large-scale sequencing and analysis. A leader in the Human Genome Project, the