Profile

CV

• Education:

  My journey really began at Sarah Bonnell Secondary School in London, where I took GCSEs in English, Maths, Art, Geography, and Science, coming out with a mixture of Cs and Ds. Even though these grades weren’t perfect, school gave me a strong foundation in reading, writing, and problem-solving. I then moved on to try Art and Design, earning a BTEC Level 2 and a UAL Art and Design Extended Diploma.

  Realising that my true passion was caring for animals, I switched to a BTEC in Animal Management. From there, I studied for an FdSc (Foundation Degree) in Animal Management and Zoology, which built on my love for science. Next, I completed a BSc (Hons) in Animal Biodiversity and Conservation with a First Class grade, an achievement that earned me the title of ‘Higher Education Student of the Year’! Each of these steps showed me that you can start with modest grades and still keep moving forward if you find a subject you truly care about. I have completed an MRes (Master of Research) in Genetics at the University of Nottingham, and now I am doing a PhD, diving even deeper into the science that fascinates me.

• Qualifications:

  When I was about 15, I only had GCSEs—some with grades like C and D. Over time, I collected more qualifications, from BTECs to a Foundation Degree, then a full Honours Degree, a Master of Research and now on my way to get a PhD! These qualifications taught me to manage my time, improve my study skills, and communicate what I’ve learned. They also gave me the scientific methods and research abilities I need to investigate wildlife. All of these qualifications together tell the story of how I grew from a school student with varied grades into someone conducting research at a university level.

• Work History:

  My work history might surprise people because it didn’t start in science at all! I worked as a Sales Assistant at 4 Feet Ltd in Camden, then as an Assistant at Blondies Hair & Tanning Salon. These roles taught me how to handle customers, manage money, and stay organised, skills I still use today. I also became the Co-Owner and Manager of a Polish grocery store, handling finances, staff, and licensing. This experience gave me a real taste of responsibility and problem-solving.

  Later, I moved into jobs that matched my love for nature. I was a Bat Survey Assistant, exploring different sites and using special equipment to gather data on bats. I volunteered behind the scenes at the London Natural History Museum, focusing on arachnids (spiders and relatives), which prepared me for even more detailed spider research. I also did an internship in Peru, where I investigated how spider communities differed across various rainforest habitats, collecting and recording a huge amount of data. After that, I spent time as a Forest Ranger, leading outdoor activities for visitors and running surveys on reptiles and invertebrates. Each job—whether it was day-to-day shop management or rainforest fieldwork—helped me learn something new, building up my confidence and expertise.

• Current Job:

  Currently, I’m working on my PhD, researching a rare spider species (Dolomedes plantarius) using DNA techniques like PCR to understand how these creatures survive in the wild. I split my time between the lab—where I examine spider DNA—and the field, with my second job being collaborating with Natural England and the National Trust, searching for rare spiders!

  Alongside my research, I also do interviews on radio and TV to share my love of spiders with everyone. I lead outreach events for children in primary and secondary schools to show how fascinating the natural world can be and why protecting these unique creatures is so important. It’s exciting to combine everything I’ve learned—through formal education, early jobs, and wildlife research—and use it to inspire others to explore science and conservation.

• Employer:

  I’m fortunate to be part of a fantastic team of female scientists at the university who bring diverse skills and inspire me daily. Our collective love of science is supported by the amazing people at Natural England and the National Trust, all working together to protect our wildlife and habitats. It’s truly an uplifting, collaborative environment where everyone learns from each other and shares a common goal: caring for the world around us!