Gemma has a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of East Anglia and an MSc(Res) Translational Oncology from the University of Sheffield. Her master’s thesis explored drug redeployment in multiple myeloma specifically looking at the effects of niclosamide and valproate. The study has broader implications for myeloma patients where therapies are often aggressive and not always suitable due to the demographic of patients.
During her undergraduate degree, she started to foster an interest within oncology, aided by undertaking a summer research assistant role in the laboratory of Dr. Declan Doyle at the University of Southampton. The summer project explored the role of MFS transporters in chemotherapeutic resistance through the cloning and expression of the transporters in E. coli.
Her master’s thesis and extended literature review gave me an in-depth knowledge of cancer immunology, bone oncology, and bone biology. Beyond this, she has a keen interest in biochemistry and genetics.
During her studies, she volunteered as a writer for Ph7, a student-run science blog to develop her portfolio of science communication. She is passionate about science communication. It only really started during her masters when she took on the role of a manager for ‘Pint of Science’ in Sheffield. Through this, she helped to develop activities for the general public and helped to develop an engaging three-day event through liaising with speakers and my team.
She is keen to explore and learn more topics through each commission and is never afraid to take on a challenge.
Outside of her writing, she tutors GCSE students in the sciences to get them as excited about each subject as she was in school. Moving further afield she has a passion for aviation, animals, reading and traveling. More often than not she can be found walking my dogs in the New Forest or rock climbing with friends.