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Rhiannon Morris
PhD candidate, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
And - Crystallographer, Biochemist. Science communicator
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We all come together to work on the same scientific problems & the outcomes of these collaborations can lead to great science and great friendships.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a PhD candidate in my final year. In the lab I use protein crystallography and biochemical techniques to study haematopoiesis (blood development), and more specifically the proteins that regulate this process. Our work allows us to understand how these proteins interact with one another and how when this interaction is altered things like blood cancers and immune disorders can arise.
Outside of the lab I communicate science! I have always believed that science is for everybody and that you shouldn’t need a degree to enjoy the magic of science, so I began creating content and engaging in outreach activities to get people excited about science.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
During my undergraduate degree I fell in love with protein biochemistry and signalling pathways. I didn’t think I would end up doing my PhD in biochemistry on a signalling pathway, but the project just fell in to place and I couldn’t be happier with the field I have ended up in. I even recall as a high school student when learning about enzymes I used to think they were so cool, now I get to study enzymes all day every day!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
Getting my PhD! Although I am not finished yet, I am not far off now! Only a few years ago I wasn’t sure whether I was cut out for science, but I worked incredibly hard and I am so proud of how far I have come.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
The best thing about working in STEM is the diverse range of people you get to interact with on a daily basis. We all come together to work on the same scientific problems & the outcomes of these collaborations can lead to great science and great friendships.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed!
INSPO / FUN FACT
Never let anybody else tell you what you can or cannot do.