Profile – Rubidium Zone

Education:

Heckmondwike Grammar School (1998-2005), University of Manchester (2005-2008)
Qualifications:

BSc (Hons) Biology; A Level Law, History, Psychology, Biology, General Studies; AS Level Chemistry; 11 x GCSE
Work History:

Various part-time jobs: I sold furniture, made greasy sandwiches, stacked shelves at the Co-op…Then after uni: Genetic Technologist II at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust (2008-2009); Trainee Scientist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge (2009-2011)
Current Job:

Pre-Registration Clinical Scientist in Molecular Genetics

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In Molecular Genetics we provide the NHS service testing for inherited diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, some forms of breast cancer and Huntington disease. We get samples from children, adults, and even unborn babies (some diseases are so severe that parents like to know whether their unborn child has inherited them).

Some of these people are ill already, and their doctor is trying to work out why; other people have a family history of a disease and come for testing to see whether they might be at risk.

Have a look at our department website for some more info: http://www.cuh.org.uk/addenbrookes/services/clinical/genetics/genetics_labs/genetics_labs_index.html
My Typical Day:

Reading DNA sequence, researching the effect of mutations, talking to doctors and nurses about appropriate testing for their patients.
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my desk

my desk buddies 🙂

A snapshot of a DNA sequence; can you see a difference between the top sequence and the bottom sequence? This is what a mutation looks like.
What I'd do with the prize money:

I would use the money to support the work of WISE; who help women and girls to pursue careers in STEM subjects.

Nicola Ibberson