'Women of Achievement 2016': Professor Michelle Peckham, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Professor Michelle Peckham is the elected Vice President of the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) and, in 2016, assumes the Presidency.

She will be only the third woman to hold that prestigious position in the Society’s 175-year history.

Michelle uses biophysical methods, especially cutting-edge microscopies, to understand the molecular basis of movement in living organisms. She has been a key leader in establishing innovative Bioimaging at Leeds and is the Director of the Faculty Imaging Suite. Her targets include the heart muscle to understand how mutations lead to disease.

Professor Peckham said: “My best advice is to pursue the science you enjoy, go where the science leads you, and don’t be afraid of taking risks.”