I had to choose three A-levels when I was 16 and I felt like I had to choose between science and arts subjects. I wanted to do both but decided to study science but keep an interest in the arts. I liked chemistry the most of all the sciences and decided to study it at university. The more I learnt the more I wanted to learn. I loved the environment at university, there was so much to do outside of the lecture theatre, like going to see plays and concerts and making friends with people studying all sorts of interesting things.
When I finished my degree I still wanted to learn more about chemistry so I did a PhD. Part of my research for my PhD involved using some very toxic chemicals. I learned how to use them safely but started to wonder what these chemicals could do that was so harmful. During my PhD I also got involved in lots of outreach work. Talking in schools and showing students around labs and demonstrating some science experiments. I realised that I preferred talking about science more than being in the lab so I got a job at another university talking to students about the amazing research that goes on in science and engineering labs at universities.
All of this was leading up to me being a self-employed science communicator. I gave talks in schools and village halls and lecture theatres to all ages and audiences. I also started writing and was able to combine my love of science and the arts by writing about the science in books - I've written about the poisons in Agatha Christie books, the science of Frankenstein and all the ways to die in Shakespeare plays.