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Erin M Humphries
Research Assistant, the Children's Medical Research Institute in Westmead
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Do what you want to do and prove people wrong.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am part of a team of scientists who are analysing tens of thousands of all types of cancers from around the world using high-throughput proteomics to advance scientific discovery and enhance clinical treatment. My role involves large-scale tissue sample preparation using barocycler technology, and shared responsibility in the maintenance and running of mass spectrometers.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I discovered that I enjoyed chemistry in high school and decided to complete an undergraduate degree at University. My teachers were my role-models as I didn't know what a career in science would look like.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
In first-year at university, I struggled academically to keep up with my peers. I thought very highly of them and put myself down a lot, believing that I wasn't capable of achieving. I wish I could tell my younger self to be more confident in my abilities as a few years later, I would graduate with a University Medal and be working for a research institute.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love the fast-paced and challenging nature of STEM, where I am continuously learning new skills. I enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that my work is advancing scientific discoveries and enhancing clinical treatments.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Do what you want to do and prove people wrong. When someone says “You can’t do that!”, reply with “Watch me!”
INSPO / FUN FACT
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain.”