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Kamini Magon
PhD student, University of Birmingham
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Don't doubt or downplay your skills, as they are what make you shine!
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a lab-based scientist and my work focusses on studying how cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) changes the chemical pathways in our cells to allow it to survive before cancer develops.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
Cancer has affected me and my family very deeply. In school, science was my favourite subject and when it came to thinking abour my future, combining my favourite subject with a cause close to my heart seemed like the perfect option. At university, I chose to study biochemistry and once I started lab work, I instantly loved it and knew I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to work in a lab!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
Being accepted on to my PhD programme. I doubted myself a lot when I was younger and I didn't think I'd get into university for my undergraduate degree, let alone for a PhD!
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love the problem-solving aspect of the work. Being able to look at a problem and start to unravel what's going on is exciting! Sometimes you get stumped but that makes it even more satisfying once it's solved!
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Grab and apply for any opportunity you can and want! Don't doubt or downplay your skills, as they are what make you shine!
INSPO / FUN FACT
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” - Marie Curie