Questions and answers

• Why did you choose to work in ageing?

  Age is classed as the largest single risk factor in developing bladder cancer, and although bladder cancer can appear at any age; it is generally a disease that effects the middle age and the elderly. Knowing that we can have an impact on certain diseases that are well established in ageing community is of particular interest to me.

• What’s your career path been like so far?

  I studied biomedical sciences at Durham University. I then joined a trainee programme where I became a registered biomedical scientist. I realised I wanted to have an impact on not only diagnosing disease but also on prevention. I decided to do a Masters in Research. I then joined Newcastle Uni as a research technician and then applied for this PhD position.

• What does your research focus on and why is it important?

  My research focuses on mitochondrial mutations and if they be used to detect bladder cancer occurring. As there is 40% risk of occurrence in bladder cancer and it is a very expensive disease to treat it is very important to look at prevention.

• How does being part of the NIHR feel?

  The NIHR has really helped to make me feel that I am part of a community. It is very prestigious, and knowing you are contributing to the NIHR’s mission is great. It’s nice to be part of a body that focuses on the translational aspect; how we can actually have an impact on healthcare and patients.

• The BRC has many research themes, do you feel this has been useful for you carrying out your research?

  I have been able to access expertise in the Mitochondrial group with is part of the Neuromuscular theme at the BRC, and I have been able to use some of the techniques to my research.

• What has been the highlight of your time with us so far?

  I attended a conference in Jordan which was really useful for me as helped bridge the gap between research and pathology.

• How have you involved patients and public in your research?

  I have got involved in a patient information day which was organised to help patients and public understand the research happening in the mitochondrial group. We used interactive ways to communicate and disseminate our research to the patients. A patient and public event like this works two ways; it’s a knowledge exchange between the researcher and patients.

• Can you offer advice to other biomedical researchers in patient and public involvement.

  One thing I would suggest is; don’t believe your research is finished until you have communicated it with the patients and public. This is not just for them; it is a knowledge exchange where you can also learn from their experiences which will help your research. I would advise researchers to take opportunities to get involved with patients and the public. I have found personally my presentation, confidence and communication style has changed as a result of my experiences with patients and public. For me engaging with patients and public creates an emotional connection which enables me to articulate better why I am doing the research I am doing. It is a very powerful interaction that can have lasting impacts on your research and researcher skills.

• What do you enjoy doing when not working on you PhD?

  I play 5 a side football at the university which I really enjoy, and I am also part of the committee in organising this.

• What’s your favourite thing about Newcastle?

  I love the accent! I love how friendly the city is and how prestigious the university is.