What did you study at A-level (or equivalent) and why did you select those subjects?
Chemistry, Biology and Physics (I also did Spanish at AS-Level). I chose to study the three sciences as they were the subjects I liked the most and I always knew I would end up having a science career, I just wasn't sure which one at the time!
What degree/PhD did you study?
Medicinal Chemistry with Pharmacology.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
My science teachers at school heavily influenced and inspired me to study medicinal chemistry with pharmacology. I really liked the idea of being able to study a mix of both chemistry and biology which were the two science subjects I enjoyed the most. After completing my MChem, I chose to stay at the University of Liverpool and complete my PhD in medicinal chemistry. At the time, it was the current PhD students and postdocs in the lab that I worked in during my undergraduate research projects who inspired me to do my PhD.
What jobs have you had during your career?
Whilst writing my thesis I joined Professor Steve Rannard's research group as a postgraduate research assistant. After completing my PhD, I remained in the group as a postdoctoral research associate. As an organic chemist, my role within the group has been to work on a number of projects carrying out the organic synthesis of prodrugs for their development as long acting therapeutics as well as novel monomers.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am now a University Teacher in the Department of Chemistry. I've only just started this position and I am excited for the new academic year to start in September when I will begin lecturing and teaching in the undergraduate labs.
Do you have an area of expertise / research?
My PhD involved the development of novel antimycobacterials and antivirals for the treatment of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and severe acute respiratory viruses, respectively. One of the main areas of this research involved optimising the drug, metabolism, pharmacokinetic (DMPK) profiles of lead compounds within each series. I then continued to use my knowledge in DMPK to help me during my time working within Professor Steve Rannard's research group. In my current role as university teacher, I have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to chemistry undergraduates which is something I am looking forward to doing.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
My most exciting career role is the one that I am just starting, a University Teacher in the Department of Chemistry here at the University of Liverpool. I'm most excited about this role as I've always enjoyed helping with teaching and learning in the chemistry department and it’s the career that I definitely want to pursue and progress in.
What are your top tips for working in your industry/sector?
My top tips for working in academia is to get to know your work colleges and to help and support each other through using each other’s strengths. Working within research can be disheartening when things might not be going to plan, and you will need your work friends for moral support and perseverance!
What is the best piece of advice you have been given? and any advice you'd like to share?
One of the best pieces of advice I've been given is to make sure to take breaks and holidays to recharge and not burn out. In the past I haven't always been great at this, and I am still learning that it's okay to say no and not overload myself with too much to do at once!
Why are you passionate about your subject / career / research / STEMM?
I'm passionate about my new role as a university teacher as I've always really enjoyed helping others. During my time as a PhD and postdoc I enjoyed demonstrating and always volunteered to help out with outreach events ran by the chemistry department. I'm passionate about teaching chemistry undergraduate students at the University of Liverpool because from my own experience as a student here, there are several staff who had a positive impact on me, and I would like to now play a part in inspiring the current and future chemistry undergraduates.
Find out more about Sophie, and keep up to date with her work on LinkedIn.