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Katie West
PhD student, University of York
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It's good to have an open mind for all areas of STEM.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I grow tiny cells in incubators to study the immune system.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
Whilst at school I was lucky enough to be taught by some excellent Biology teachers who inspired me to pursue a degree in this field. I really enjoyed learning about the immune system and I continue to study this as part of my PhD.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
Publishing some of the work from my PhD. It's a nice feeling knowing that the research I have done is important and contributes to our understanding of the immune system in a small way.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love the diversity of my job. It's a great mix of practical lab work, computational analysis, and writing.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
I think it's important to not let your career decisions be determined by your gender. It's good to have an open mind for all areas of STEM and if you want a career in science go for the one that interests you the most.
INSPO / FUN FACT
“I am among those who think that science has great beauty.” – Marie Curie