Profile
Tugba Bulbul Atac
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About Me:
I’m a research scientist specialising on cancer genetics and bioinformatics living in Coventry with my husband. I love comic books, sci-fi, HP, DW, gaming, pretty much all the awesome nerdy things!
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I am a massive fan of Spider-Man ever since I was a kid. He was my first super hero and the first ever comic book I bought. I love reading varies genres of books from history to Sci-fi. I have a TARDIS at my desk, my favourite Doctor is David Tennant followed very closely by Matt Smith. I’m Turkish and moved to UK back in 2020. I obtained my masters degree from Coventry University. Since then I worked in the lab as a Scientist, as a Biomarker Specialist and currently I’m working as a Data Scientist/Data Wrangler in the Medical Research Council at Harwell. I work in an International Mouse Phenotyping project, IMPC (International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium).
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My pronouns are:
She/her
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My Work:
I work in an international project called the IMPC (International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium). As a wrangler, I assist, analyse and QC the biological data that is submitted by the member centres.
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I support the IMPC data generating centres that I’m responsible for in all aspects of data submission, data QC (quality control), data corrections and troubleshooting.
I attend, participate and present at international meetings, teleconferences and conferences. I advise on improvements to the procedures to ensure accurate data.
I evaluate the success of particular IMPC Procedures through analyses and interpretation of key data.
I am also responsible for managing the social media channels, web content management.
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My Typical Day:
I usually start my day with a cup of tea or coffee. I mostly work from home and only go to the office one day a week. I work from 8:30-4:30 but I sometimes have later meetings with the US so I may have to work extra hours. I have at least one meeting a day, averaging 2-3 per day. My work can change depending on the time of the year.
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I have flexible schedule so I can arrange my weekly time according to the late meetings and can finish early another day. Twice a year, six-monthly intervals, we have data freeze times that lasts a month and during those time 80% my time spent on data QC and data analysis. The rest of the year, my work changes depending on the needs of the centres and working groups. I can help them troubleshoot their issues as well as provide them with key information by analysing the data that has been submitted by the wider consortium.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would either donate to the local school for lab equipment or I would donate the money Native Scientists to encourage migrant children to select STEM subjects.
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Education:
- Coventry University – MSc Biomedical Sciences (Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology Pathway)
- Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey – BSc Molecular Biology and Genetics (50% Scholarship)
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Qualifications:
N/A
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Work History:
- Associate Biomarker Scientist – Akamis Bio Ldt
- Scientist – UKHSA
- Student Volunteer Researcher – Bilkent University/Goktuna Lab
- Intern – Bilkent University/Cizmecioglu Lab
- Private Tutor
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Current Job:
Data Scientist/Data Wrangler
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Employer:
UKRI – Medical Research Council at Harwell/Mary Lyon Centre
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Foody-nerdy scientist
What did you want to be after you left school?
Cancer Researcher
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes, because I was reading books during the lecture.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Bioinformatician for a cancer research company
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Band - Foo Fighters, Singer - Ed Sheeran
What's your favourite food?
Ramen
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Be rich, get my PhD, to win a big prize in my field
Tell us a joke.
What do biologists post on Instagram? Cell-fies.
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