What did you study at A-level and why did you select those subjects?
I studied A-level Chemistry, Biology and English. I didn’t achieve the grades I'd hoped for, so instead I took an Access course (Higher National Diploma) in Biological Sciences. I completed my HND at college and then progressed on to a degree. This taught me that it's okay if you don’t achieve things the first time around - the key is not to give up if you’re determined and you can succeed via an unconventional route.
What degrees and PhD did you study?
I completed a BSc in Applied Microbiology. After graduating, I worked as a technician in Biological Sciences, which reignited my interest in academic studies. I then studied an MPhil in Chemistry, followed by a PhD in Chemistry.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
Since I was a child, I’d always wanted to be a scientist. I wanted to be a forensic scientist, but at the time there was no such thing as forensic science degree. I studied a degree in Applied Microbiology because of my interest in bacteria, parasites and infectious diseases.
After graduating, I worked at the university as a technician in Biological Science. During the summer, I supported PhD students with their research. It was a fantastic opportunity to work on a wide variety of interesting projects, from studying the fertility of moths and tracking salmon to working on the evolutionary biology of crickets.
This experience inspired me to return to study and pursue a PhD in surface chemistry and nanotechnology, developing diagnostics for biological applications with the research focused at the intersection of Chemistry and Biology.
What key skills did you learn at university?
University taught me the value of trying lots of different things. I’d strongly encourage everyone to seek opportunities to work in interdisciplinary teams, as this allows you to see challenges and solutions from multiple perspectives.
What jobs have you had during your career?
After completing my PhD, I went moved straight into postdoctoral research, working across a range of areas, including electronic engineering and bioengineering. My interdisciplinary background in microbiology, surface chemistry and biomaterials led me to my current role in biomedical engineering within the School of Engineering.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I'm currently a Lecturer in Polymer Biomaterials in the School of Engineering. I really enjoy teaching and sharing my passion for the subject and my research. I particularly like introducing students to areas of engineering that they may not have encountered before university.
Do you have an area of expertise?
My area of research and expertise lies in the fabrication, characterisation and functionalisation of materials for use in medical applications. This includes developing materials and functionalising them for rapid diagnostics or drug delivery.
Examples of rapid diagnostics include lateral flow tests used for COVID-19 testing. Since the pandemic, this has become an especially exciting research area, with strong interest from industry and many opportunities for further development.
Drug delivery is another very exciting area of research at the intersection of medicine, biology, chemistry, and engineering. My research involves designing nanoparticles, hydrogels, and implants that can target specific tissues, navigate biological barriers, and deliver drugs whilst minimizing toxicity.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
Most of my projects have been exciting and interesting, but one standout was developing antiviral coatings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We received a research grant to work with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) to develop and test antiviral coatings for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) against variants of COVID-19. It was particularly exciting because, although we had previously developed antimicrobial materials for bacteria, we were unsure whether they would be effective against viruses.
What are your top tips for working in your industry?
My top tip is to work with as many people from different disciplines as possible. You’ll learn a huge amount from others and appreciate and understand projects from different angles, to find and develop the best solution.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Stay curious, persevere and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Any advice you’d like to share?
Study what you’re passionate about and work hard. Don’t give up! if you don’t initially achieve the right qualifications you need to study STEMM, there are always alternative routes to achieving your goals for a career in STEMM.
Why are you passionate about STEM?
STEMM offers fascinating subjects and a wide range of interesting and inspiring careers, where no two days are the same. I love the challenges that it offers and the opportunity to work on research that can genuinely make a difference to the world we live in.
More resources:
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Liverpool and Feedwater Limited
The N8 AgriFood Sustainable Biomaterials Workshop
Keep up to date with Jenny on LinkedIn and view her staff profile here.