STEM Ambassador Profile
Karen
PhD Research in Immunology
Brighton and Sussex Medical School Research
BSc (hons) Biomedical Science, A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology
What is your background in STEM?
My degree in Biomedical Sciences gave a huge range of knowledge in both biology and chemistry with different modules on every aspect of science you could imagine. Since completing my degree in 2009 I have moved onto research but stayed within the academic field and decided to continue with the biological side of things.
Tell us a bit about your job history
My first scientific related job was in pharmacy for nearly 2 years until I decided I was more interested in laboratory work. I am now working towards a PhD in Immunology looking at allergic disease and detection of allergen-specific T cells in the blood.
Were you able to find a job easily when you wanted to?
At first it was very daunting to leave university but finding a job was easier than everybody suggested. I had offers for the PhD post and a trainee teaching post but decided a PhD was more suitable for me.
How has your perception of STEM changed when moving between education and work
I have realised that although an education in science really helps with my career I have learnt a lot more from the experiences of working in a laboratory and learning from other people.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to read and watch films or go out with friends and just relax at the weekends!
