What/where have you previously studied and why did you choose to do a PhD?
I studied BSc Pharmacology with industry at Leeds. As part of this, I completed a placement year working on sequencing for antibody drug discovery. I chose to do a PhD as I enjoyed my previous research experience but wanted the chance to carry out more in-depth research in an academic setting. I’m excited to have found a PhD programme that covers structural biology as I’m really interested in how molecular structures work and how they change in disease.

What excites you about research?
What excites me about research is that it deepens understanding and knowledge, as well as potentially producing results which could translate to the real world.

What attracted you to the Cheney PhD programme?
I was particularly interested in the Cheney programme as the opportunity to complete two rotation projects is quite unique and I think it will allow me to explore more areas within structural biology and learn more than a traditional PhD programme would allow for. The range of research and facilities available at Leeds also attracted me to the programme.

What are you most looking forward to about your PhD?
I’m looking forward to learning new techniques and working on my own research project as well as the chance to learn from the wide range of experts here at Leeds.

Will you be using any of the university facilities to carry out your research?
I hope to make use of the bio imaging and cryo-electron microscopy facilities available at the university.

What are your career aspirations and how does your PhD fit into this?
I would like to have a research focused career and I hope a PhD will allow me to develop the necessary skills to succeed in this.