About me
Scientist and advocate for women and neurodivergent people in STEM
Hi there! I'm Eleanor, and I'm passionate about studying biological problems using both laboratory and computational techniques. During my PhD in Chemistry I taught myself Python and quickly became obsessed with the power of code. In my current job, I'm using a mix of experiments and computational modelling (using a language called Julia) to try to understand how we can better treat blood cancers.
When I'm not doing research, I'm a keen advocate for underrepresented groups in science, and try to regularly speak at science communication events such as Soapbox Science. I was diagnosed with autism in 2020 after more than a decade of struggling with poor mental health, and am always trying to show that autistic women in rainbow dungarees can be scientists too! I am part of several disability and inclusivity committees, and am also a qualified mental health first aider.
Education:
2017-2021
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, University of Warwick
2015-2017
Master of Science, Pass with Merit in Genetic Manipulation and Molecular Cell Biology, University of Sussex
2011-2015
Bachelor of Science with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Biochemistry with Industrial/Professional Experience, University of Manchester
Skills:
Cell culture
Aseptic techniques
Flow cytometry
Python
Julia
Molecular dynamics
NMR
Circular dichroism
SDS-PAGE
Western blotting
Handling of Cat2 organisms
siRNA transfections
Electron microscopy
UV/Vis spectroscopy
ELISA
Teaching Experience:
Academic Tutor, April 2022-Present
Prepared and delivered teaching materials as part of a student-selected component on computational modelling in biology for first-year medical students.
Academic Tutor, October 2021-Present
Ran tutorials on cell structure, transcription, translation and protein structure for first-year medical students.
Co-supervisor, February-August 2022
Co-supervised a taught MSc student's research project.
Individual Research Project Conference Examiner, May 2022
Examined cancer biology research project presentations by fourth-year medical students.
Workshop Teaching Assistant, February 2020
Helped run biophysics workshops for fourth-year undergraduate chemistry students.
Lab Demonstrator, May 2018–June 2019
Taught second- and third-year undergraduate chemistry students biological chemistry techniques, including use of micropipettes, how to make and run SDS-PAGE gels, and how to purify protein using IMAC.
Workshop teaching assistant, November 2018
Assisted with the running of physical chemistry workshops for third-year undergraduate chemistry students.