Research lives and cultures

Dr Ruth Payne has a dual professional identity as a Consultant Microbiologist for the National Health Services (UK) as well as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield. Her interest in malaria vaccines may have been the starting point for her research career, but her expertise in vaccines became the corner stone of her ability to contribute to the Covid vaccine development efforts.  Ruth entered the world of research as a doctor following her appointment on a research fellowship position that became her PhD work at the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford (2012 - 2016). Her interest in malaria and vaccine development is anchored in a childhood spent in East Africa and in seeing first-hand the impact of this disease. After her research fellowship/PhD, she went back full time to a clinical role in Nottingham before jumping into a Clinical Academic Lectureship position.  Ruth calls herself “an accidental academic” and admits that it was the inspiring and supportive approach of her academic manager/ PhD supervisor during her research fellowship position and PhD that led her to continue a career that embraced both clinical work and research.Building a research team is never easy but establishing yourself as a new PI when you work 50% time as a clinician and 50% time in research, and then on top of that a world pandemic is forcing you to stop your research…well that is quite a start when you are a new Principal Investigator.This challenging period has brought her resilience and connections. During the Covid period, her experience in vaccine development enabled her to get involved in many new vaccine clinical trials projects, that she could never have predicted. It allowed her to jump into new projects and build very close working relationships with many new colleagues. It created opportunities to be involved at a national level in policies related to vaccine development (e.g., UK Clinical Vaccine Network, Covid19 task force of the British Society of Immunology).  Listening to our conversation will prompt your thinking:·       How embracing the silver lining of the Covid pandemic created more opportunities and exposure than ever·       How embedding yourself into larger projects creates the economy of scale needed when you get started as a new PI·       Why keeping lines of communication within your network increases your opportunities 

Dr Madeleine Jotz-Lean has always had a passion for mathematics and research, which was nurtured from an early age by her teachers and supervisors. She began her publication record early, with 10 articles to her name by the end of her PhD. After moving from the US to Sheffield into a lectureship, she became more involved and interested in teaching, as well as equality and diversity, particularly tackling unconscious bias and stereotypes. She has also been involved in public outreach, using knitting and crochet to explain complex mathematical concepts to a wider audience.Madeleine is now a Junior Professor at the University of Göttingen (Mathematisches Institut).Look at the interactive timeline:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/madeleine-jotz-lean/More recent info about Madeleine:https://www.uni-math.gwdg.de/mjotz/home.html

Jonna Kulmuni’s love of nature began at an early age but biology wasn’t her strongest subject. The challenge was what drove her to pursue a biological career and she fell in love with ants during her Masters degree, where she worked with a very supportive group and continued on to a PhD. At the same time, she completed a Masters in Science Communication – an invaluable experience, which has supported her career ever since and seen her become increasingly engaged in public outreach. She came to Sheffield in 2014 as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and is always thinking ahead about the next opportunity to apply for funding.Jonna is now a Principal Investigator at the University of Helsinski.https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/jonna-kulmuniView her timeline:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/jonna-kulmuni/

Prof. Jim Thomas was inspired by his father to become a scientist but, after not achieving the best degree in Chemistry at Reading, he opted to teach in the UK before going to Western Kenya with Voluntary Services Overseas, where he taught in a rural high school for several years. This lent him a great deal of perspective and led him to revisit his childhood ambition of becoming a research scientist, commencing a PhD as a mature student. While his late entry into an academic career would normally mean that path was closed, he continued to pursue it, despite being offered a job in industry with a top company. He achieved a high profile Postdoc position with a Nobel prize winner in France but soon returned to the UK, to Sheffield, where he began to apply for fellowships. He was awarded a Royal Society University Research Fellowship but also chose to take on a relatively large teaching timetable to show his commitment to the department and also to get to know students with whom he might potentially collaborate in the future. He has also engaged in science communication work, which has honed his skills in terms of writing proposals and technical papers and generally being able to write in a more interesting way.More about Jim:https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/people/academic/jim-thomasAccess career timeline:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/jim-thomas/

Dr Julie Hyde’s love of chemistry was inspired by her father and experimenting with him in the garden shed when she was young. She left school with no qualifications but got a job in the chemical industry as an Analytical Chemist while also studying part-time at college. It was here that one of her tutors suggested applying to university, which she did. After her BSc, Julie moved into lecturing/ teaching chemistry in Further Education. During this time she taught on both academic and vocational courses as well as managing vocational programmes. This job was later combined with part-time study in her spare time for a PhD in Organometallic Chemistry and Crystallography at the University of Sheffield, aided by an extremely supportive research group and teaching colleagues. Julie currently teaches undergraduate chemistry at the University of Sheffield specialising in laboratory programmes and for the last seven years she has spent approximately three months each year delivering practical chemistry on the University’s joint BSc with Nanjing Tech University (NJTech) in China. Julie is also the Director of the Year in Industry Programme in Chemistry. Julie is a Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and, alongside her teaching roles, she is also heavily involved in public outreach as the Schools Liaison Manager. Julie received a Senate Award in 2017 for excellence in learning and teaching in the category of Sustained Excellence and in 2018 was presented with an RSC award for her promotion of chemistry locally, nationally and internationally.https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/people/academic/julie-hyde#tab00

Dr Nicola Nadeau became interested in the natural world at a young age. After studying Zoology at Newcastle, she secured a PhD at Cambridge in evolutionary genetics. She moved from being unsure that genetics was really the area she wanted to be in, to becoming captivated by the possibilities it presented. She thoroughly enjoyed the PhD process, helped along by a supportive department and supervisor. After completing her PhD and a brief stint as a postdoc with her PhD adviser, she moved on to a 5 year postdoc position in a different lab. With the support of her postdoc adviser, she developed a side project into a fellowship application. After a few unsuccessful attempts, she bolstered her publication record with some high profile articles and was eventually successful, securing a NERC fellowship at Sheffield. This was a major transition and quite lonely at times but she formed some strong collaborations and has now settled into managing her own research group on the evolution of structural colour in butterflies.More about Nicola:https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/nicola-nadeauLook at her timeline and career milestones:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/nicola-nadeau/

Dr Jenny Clark developed an interest in biology at school in Belgium, but found it too qualitative and so ended up studying physics at university. She did her undergraduate and Masters at Imperial College London, with a year in Padua, but a summer stint at UCL was enough to cement a desire to work in the field of Biophysics. However, for her PhD she chose to work in a completely different research area, attracted by a more positive and supportive atmosphere. Her supervisor moved away after her first year but she managed to acquire another via email, who became a collaborator, friend and mentor to her and gave her the confidence to move on with the next stages of her career. While an academic career path does generally mean moving around quite a lot, placing her relationship and family life first has never negatively impacted on her career. She continues to love her work and find it fascinating, learning something new every day.More on Jenny:https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/physics/people/academic/jenny-clark#tab00Explore Jenny's career timeline and milestones:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/jenny-clark/

Professor Sherif El-Khamisy started off in community and clinical pharmacy in Egypt but the repetitive and unchallenging nature of the work left him seeking more. He completed a Business Administration diploma at the same time as a Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences before securing a PhD position in Sussex, attracted by better research funding and facilities to be found abroad. This was self-funded at first, but he soon acquired a scholarship with the help of an encouraging supervisor. After a failed attempt at setting up a research group back in Egypt, he went to the US to improve his research profile and make himself more competitive for fellowship positions. He brought back the training on mouse models of human disorders he had acquired there to the Genome Centre at Sussex, where the Director was supportive and made sure he was separated from his PhD supervisor. In 2012, he successfully established a Genome Centre in Egypt in partnership with a Nobel laureate to give something back to his country and, for himself, he gained huge experience in managing infrastructure and people. After his fellowship, he was drawn to the welcoming and nurturing research environment at Sheffield, where he took up his current role in 2013.More on Sherif:https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/sherif-el-khamisy#tab00Explore Sherif's career timeline and milestones:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/sherif-el-khamisy/

Prof.  Ivana Barbaric discovered a love of scientific research through competing in a national biology competition she entered in secondary school, for which she won 1st prize. Early on in her career, she realised the importance of networking and began to develop an international network of colleagues, as well as amassing new technical skills, through working and studying abroad. During her PhD in Oxford, she completely changed the direction of her research to focus primarily on a new found fascination with stem cells – a challenging but positive experience. She went on to a postdoc position at the University of Sheffield where she started to think about what she needed to do to obtain an academic position. She made sure to keep publishing in good journals, apply for lots of funding and show her willingness to teach, which she did by taking on undergraduate and Masters student groups and completing a Certificate in Learning and Teaching.More on Ivana :https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/ivana-barbaricExplore Ivana 's career timeline and milestones:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/ivana-barbaric/

Dr Andrew Lin is a senior lecturer in the School of Biosciences at The University of Sheffield.He was previously Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow in the Department of Biomedical Science when he was awarded a 5-year European Research Council Starting Grant. From a young age Andrew had his sights set on a career in academic research, pursuing his passion for neurobiology. Following his PhD at the University of Cambridge, he took a slightly different direction with his postdoc to expose himself to a wider range of techniques, questions and approaches.More on Andrew: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/andrew-lin#tab00Explore Andrew's career timeline and milestones:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/andrew-lin/

Dr Rhoda Hawkins is academic director at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Ghana). Rhoda has been a lecturer, then senior lecturer in the  Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sheffield since 2011.Rhoda grew up in a Christian family, where she developed a keen interest in studying the world around her through science. Following her first degree at Oxford, she left to do her PhD at Leeds, where she had previously experienced a supportive research environment during a summer placement. After a number of postdoctoral positions in both Europe and the UK, one of which led her to question her place in science and academia, she regained her love of science and discovered a passion for teaching – a chance to step back from research and do something positive. She applied for a variety of fellowships before it was suggested to her that she should apply for a lectureship, as this was not necessarily more difficult to achieve. The balance between teaching and research is still important to her now in her lectureship and, while balancing the pressures and expectations of the role can be challenging, she enjoys every aspect.Have a look at milestones in Rhoda's career:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/rhoda-hawkins/More on Rhoda: https://nexteinstein.org/a-conversion-with-dr-rhoda-hawkins/https://rhoda-hawkins.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/

Dr Rebecca Corrigan first became enthralled by science at school and specialised in microbiology from the mid-point of her undergraduate studies. After a very successful summer placement, which produced 2 papers, she was certain that a career in scientific research was for her. She ended her PhD with a further 4 1st author papers that helped her secure a postdoc position but, as a naturally shy person, she had to push herself to speak at conferences and international events. She went on to produce more high impact publications during her postdoc and was able to focus on her enjoyment of bench science, including a funded trip to the US to learn a new technique to bring back to the lab. After one failed attempt, she consulted her supervisor for invaluable help and advice on applying for fellowships, which led to her securing her current 5-year role.This interview will allow you to think about:How short international research visits could be an alternative to research experiences abroadWhy early conversations with your PI are important for stepping into the next stage for your research independenceCan you build the confidence for early discussions about authorship as a Postdoc taking steps towards your fellowshipExplore Rebecca's timeline with important milestones in her research life:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/rebecca-corrigan/Hear more about Rebecca: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/rebecca-corrigan#tab02

Dr Rebecca Barnes has always had an enormous love of science and imparting knowledge to others. She applied for a variety of PhDs before ending up in Glasgow to study the molecular biology of parasites, where she realised a passion for the academic environment. She was invited to help set up a lab as a Postdoc by a young academic from the USA and so moved to the States, but the expectation and pressure made it a very stressful time. She transitioned to a project in a different lab and got some good data but the failures of lab work and lack of publications began to get to her. Following suggestions from her PI, she began to teach and demonstrate at a nearby community college, which cemented a desire to find a teaching-focused university role going forward. She applied for a number of jobs in the USA and the UK, ending up at Sheffield. Here, she relishes spending time with the students, supporting other academic colleagues and moving things forward in the department, having the time to direct her creative energies into more innovative teaching methods.View the video and timeline:https://academicstories.group.shef.ac.uk/rebecca-barnes/

Dr Silvia Valenzuela-Lamas is a Principal Investigator and archeologist at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Spain.  She was previously a recipient of a prestigious European Research Council Starting Grant. She used this success to leverage a permanent position back to her home country after several years of hard work and academic uncertainty.This discussion will get you thinking about:How conversations with partners are key in negotiating the challenges of academic dual careersHow choosing what you need (more stability and more support) can give you the courage to become empowered and take controlHow the transition to the PI role becomes a privilege and a responsibility to create opportunities for others

Dr Mirna Mustapha is an MRC Senior Fellow at the University of Sheffield (UK). Her research through multiple international collaborations has led to the identification of over 15 human genes involved in deafness. She has plenty experience of being the only woman from a Global South country in the room. Why having support networks and mentors are key to survive and thrive in research careersWhy we need to continue challenging the status quo when it comes to diversity in research environmentWhy new research group leader need to be supported not just to enter academic role, but to become the best leaders and managers they can be.

Araceli is Founder and CEO of Qureca, a company that offers support to individuals and businesses in the quantum field. She has experience in both the academic and industrial world. She has created a space in-between the two to bridge gaps in understanding, communication, and conversations in quantum. Our conversation will get you to think about:How it took a lot of resilience to be accepted onto a PhD programme, as she came from an engineering industry backgroundHow she has experienced herself being one of the few women in the roomHow finding the sweet spot of your interests, skills and strengths can get you to become an entrepreneur, when you did not even know you could become one.More about her company: https://qureca.com/More about my own work as a coach, facilitator and trainer: https://tesselledevelopment.com/

Dr Amy Wong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology at The University of Toronto. She became a PI in 2019 with a lab hosted at the Hospital for Sick Children, 10 years after starting her Postdoc. She is a pioneer in using human stem cells to model lung development and disease.Listening to our conversation will prompt your thinking:How could “time off” give you the thinking space to identify and clarify the research niche you want to build for yourself.How informal supervision and building relationships as a Postdoc can fast track the recruitment of your research team when you become a PICan the simple practice of a morning focused tasks check list become your multitasking best formula?Read the blog inspired by our conversation:https://tesselledevelopment.com/research-lives-and-cultures/amy-wong

Dr Jonathan Draper is Vice-President of the Canadian Stem Cell Network and responsible for the strategic design and rollout of the network research and training programs. After a decade of working as a PI, he took the challenging decision of letting go of his identity as a research group leader and not running a lab anymore. He shifted his professional efforts into another role as a stem cell leader working for a stem cell network.🔑     How giving a chance to others who don't have perfectly straightforward professional paths is a critical action to diversify those who enter the research environment🔑     How seeing that we are never trapped in a career gives us options to explore exciting new opportunities.🔑    How fortunate series of events may contribute to one step in your career, but do not define the entirety of your career path

Kristin is Senior Scientist at the University Health Network and an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. She also holds an Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Investigator Level II Award and is a Medicine by Design Investigator.Listening to our conversation will prompt your thinkingWhat would synergy with your PI/ Postdocs/ PhD students look like for you?What will matter to you most when you start building your research group?Have you considered how supportive an institution is when applying for a  position?Get the full blog post: https://tesselledevelopment.com/research-lives-and-cultures/kristinhope

Dr Sean Sapcariu is programme manager at the Luxembourg National Research fund.  Trained as a biomedical scientist, Sean moved into university strategic development before jumping on the other side of the fence by now working for a national funder.Growing up as an American is maybe what gave Sean a sense of freedom as he moved along his career. His ethos of trying things out and jumping into the deep end have been key in his career explorations.In his current role, Sean is on a mission to influence research culture in Luxembourg- not a small goal! He talks about having huge goals as well as quick wins. A sensible approach when it comes to challenging research culture. Listening to our conversation will prompt your thinkingWhat would “the courage to quit” looks like for you?Do you have quick wins when it comes to influencing your professional environment?Are you prepared to have your big ideas really challenged, criticised and reshaped?