Meet Katie: Katie started her PhD at the University of York in 2018 studying the role of non-coding RNAs in immunity (see more here). She is now a post-doctoral research associate in the Hitchcock lab at the University of York, funded by Blood Cancer UK. We asked Katie about her career and any advice that she has for current students …
About Katie’s PhD
“I completed my 4-year PhD program in December 2022 at the University of York, where I was based in the Lagos laboratory. My research focused on investigating the role of non-coding RNAs in immunity. Throughout the project, I acquired a diverse set of laboratory skills, including in vitro CD4+ T cell culture, flow cytometry, FISH, qRT-PCR, RAP-MS, RNA-seq, and iCLIP.”
Q. When did you start thinking about your career and what are you doing now?
I began thinking about my career when I began my A-Levels. It was at this point I had to narrow down my career options and decide on what degree to study at university. I always enjoyed the Sciences, so I made the decision to study Biology at university.
I am now a post-doctoral research associate in the Hitchcock lab at the University of York, funded by Blood Cancer UK. As part of this project, I am investigating how the density of the TPO-R impacts the development of blood cancers. I have been fortunate to learn several new and cutting-edge techniques such as barcoded phosphoflow cytometry and smFRET with our collaborators in Germany. One of the aspects I appreciate most about my current position is the collaborative nature of the project, where I work closely with multiple research groups in a highly supportive environment.
Q. What do you most enjoy about your career?
I enjoy many aspects of my career. Working in the lab and having a hands-on, practical job is something I am very grateful for. I find it exciting making new discoveries and learning new techniques. I enjoy working alongside colleagues, to share ideas and set up experiments together. Additionally, I enjoy the writing aspects of my project – piecing all the data together and thinking about what story it tells.
Q. How did your PhD and the White Rose DTP prepare you for what you are doing now?
My PhD experience was essential in giving me the necessary laboratory skills and research expertise to fulfil my current role. However, it is worth noting that academia tends to push people towards preparing for careers in academia itself. Given that most PhD graduates pursue a career in industry on non-academic settings, it would be beneficial to have more resources and support systems in place for finding and preparing for a career beyond the standard academic route.
Q. What advice would you give to current students who are thinking about and planning their graduate careers?
I would recommend that current students take time to sit and think about their long-term career goals. It can be beneficial to talk with your PI and ask for their advice. However, it is worth noting your PI may be biased towards an academic path. To gain a different perspective, I would consider reaching out to external colleague. Additionally, attending careers-based talks can be very informative. I personally became aware of alternative career possibilities such as medical writing.