911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

What were you doing before joining MultiSci?

I was completing my Master’s degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University in Canada, where I focused on developing computational models to study spinal cord injury (SCI) biomechanics and on a user-centred redesign of a robotic platform used in preclinical SCI research for therapeutic development.

Why did you choose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project?

My Master’s research piqued my interest in translational research and made clear to me how much stronger projects are when academia and industry work closely together. As such, I applied for the MultiSci iCASE project because it offers rigorous academic research, close collaboration with an industry partner, and a pathway to turn results into tools that can make meaningful impact.
What will you be researching for your PhD?

I’m researching soft tissue balance in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). My work leverages in vitro robotic simulations to examine how ligaments contribute to knee stability. I collaborate closely with 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ College spinout Smart Surgical Solutions (S3) to inform the design of its surgical medical device for clinical use.

How has being part of a MultiSci cohort benefitted you so far?

Being part of the MultiSci cohort has made the transition into 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ much smoother and helped me connect with peers quickly, which has been especially valuable as an international student from Canada. The cohort events and workshops have also introduced me to students at different stages of their PhD, so I can learn from their experience and get practical advice early on.

What's your top tip for anyone considering applying for a MultiSci iCASE project?  

One thing I would encourage anyone considering applying is the added nuance of a PhD with an industry partner. It helps to show different sides: strong technical fundamentals and a clear active learning mindset, alongside highlighting your ability to communicate across disciplines.

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your scientific career to date?

My grandparents are my biggest inspiration. After their passing, it really reinforced for me that engineering can be more than technical problem-solving. It can improve quality of life. That perspective has shaped the projects I choose and is a big reason I continue to do the work I do today.

What do you enjoy most about doing research?

I enjoy the learning cycle in research where you start with a question, develop ways to test it, learn from what does not work, and improve on it in the next iteration. This entire process doesn't occur in isolation, and I also appreciate discussing the question with others who might see it differently.

What animal best represents you and why?

A beaver: it is a nod to where I come from, and I relate to the way beavers engineer solutions through their patience, persistence and focus on building something useful one step at a time.

What you would like to do after your PhD?

After my PhD, I am open to either academia or industry, ideally in a role focused on translational research and medical robotics. That is one reason the MultiSci iCASE programme appeals to me because it gives me experience working closely within an academic environment alongside an industry partner.

What are your hobbies?

My main hobby is music, and I enjoy playing and producing songs in different languages. I appreciate that it can be an expressive avenue for telling stories and evoking emotions that transcend language barriers.

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in London?

London has been exciting because it is so diverse and full of opportunities, with so many events for everyone. I have especially enjoyed discovering and photographing new parts of the city.

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What were you doing before joining MultiSci?

Before joining MultiSci, I worked as a Research Assistant in both an academic-style and industry lab developing novel cancer therapies. These roles utilised my background in biomedical science and cancer biology and developed my wet-lab capabilities. My interests have since diverged and, for now, I have hung up my lab coat.

Why did you choose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project?

I applied for a MultiSci studentship for the opportunity to embed my studies in a supportive cohort network and receive valuable interdisciplinary training, which I believe is important for my professional development.

What will you be researching for your PhD?

My PhD project will investigate the objective and perceived community-level health risks of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) installations across the UK. The UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero set out aims to achieve 24 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050 by utilising novel reactor architectures including SMRs. The potential health pathways affected by these first-of-a-kind projects are multifaceted and may be distinct from large traditional nuclear reactors (LTRs), or other types of industrial installation. Using a mixed methods approach to integrate health data analyses and outputs from community participation work, I aim to design a long-term population health monitoring programme to assess the health impacts of SMRs on local communities.

How has being part of a MultiSci cohort benefitted you so far?

In the short time since I joined MultiSci, I have received valuable support and advise from other members of my cohort and attended the MRC DTP colloquium. As a result of this event, I gained valuable understanding of how to engage in socially responsible scientific research in the face of the challenges of the modern world.

What's your top tip for anyone considering applying for a MultiSci iCASE project?  

Don’t be afraid to apply for projects in new disciplines! If you are curious about a particular subject matter, that is brilliant motivation and skills are so often transferable.

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your scientific career to date?

My lecturers at university solidified my ambitions to be a scientist. I aspired to find the same passion and dedication in my work that they so obviously possessed.

What are your hobbies?

As I live close to Hampstead Heath, one of my favourite hobbies is going for long walks (weather-dependent) and admiring the view of London. I also enjoy crosswords and listening exclusively to Taylor Swift’s music.

What were you doing before joining MultiSci?

Masters in Chemical Engineering.

Why did you choose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project?

I chose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project because it offers the chance to work on meaningful research while also gaining valuable industrial experience. I was particularly drawn to the presence of an industry partner and the opportunity to spend time working abroad within their company, which would provide a unique perspective on how research operates in an industrial setting. What stood out to me most about the iCASE format was the opportunity to develop rigorous research skills while also seeing how evidence-based ideas are translated from academia into practice. I was especially keen to work on a project that I found scientifically compelling while also having clear real-world relevance. I am also excited by the collaborative nature of this kind of research: the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and interests who are brought together by a shared research goal. Finally, I am incredibly grateful for the prospect of being part of a cohort with whom I can share these experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss challenges along the way.

What will you be researching for your PhD? 

My PhD focuses on the Life Cycle Assessment and optimisation of the prostate cancer diagnostic and treatment pathway, with the aim of identifying opportunities to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining or improving clinical effectiveness. The project examines the current pathway in detail, from referral through PSA tests, imaging, biopsy, diagnosis, treatment, and associated downstream processes, in order to quantify the environmental burdens arising at each stage. A key part of the research is to identify the major environmental hotspots within the pathway, such as high-energy processes, carbon-intensive activities, and areas of significant consumable use, waste generation, or resource inefficiency. Building on this assessment, the PhD explores design and optimisation strategies for decarbonisation and consumable reduction across the pathway. This includes evaluating how pathway redesign, changes in clinical practice, and more efficient use of materials and infrastructure could reduce emissions and waste without compromising diagnostic quality, patient safety, or service delivery. A further component of the project considers the growing role of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer diagnosis, particularly in areas such as imaging analysis, risk stratification, and workflow support. This part of the work investigates not only how AI may alter clinical workflows and resource use, but also whether its implementation introduces new environmental burdens, in particular sustainability implications of increased computational requirements, including energy demand for model training and deployment, data storage, digital infrastructure, and associated carbon emissions.

How has being part of a MultiSci cohort benefitted you so far?

Being part of the cohort has been hugely beneficial in establishing a sense of community during the so far in my PhD experience. Having a group of peers going through the same experiences, challenges and milestones has been the process feel much more collaborative and supportive. I particularly enjoy the multidisciplinary background that each person brings and the opportunity to share ideas with people from different academic background. This has greatly helped to shape my perspective of research and develop new ways to think and solve problems. Whether discussing research, sharing advice, or discussing challenges, it has been very reassuring to be part of a group that understand the experience firsthand.

What's your top tip for anyone considering applying for a MultiSci iCASE project?  

My top tip is to think carefully about why the iCASE format suits you specifically, rather than just why the research interests you. While any PhD requires a high level of self-discipline, this path also requires you to value the industry partner’s role and the reality of spending time working in a more applied environment. It’s worth reflecting on what you hope to gain from that partnership and whether a dual academic-industrial focus truly aligns with your long-term career interests.

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your scientific career to date?

My lecturers at university solidified my ambitions to be a scientist. I aspired to find the same passion and dedication in my work that they so obviously possessed.

What do you enjoy most about doing research?

What I enjoy most about doing research is trying to find solutions to complex problems while having the intellectual freedom to explore topics that I find genuinely fascinating. Research is especially rewarding because it has the potential to make a real difference and have a meaningful impact. I also really appreciate the collaborative environment and the opportunity to work with people from a range of different backgrounds and perspectives. More than anything, I enjoy that research is a field of continuous growth, where you are always learning, challenging yourself, and engaging with new developments.

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in London?

What I enjoy most about living and studying in London is the sheer range of opportunities and experiences it offers. One of the most rewarding aspects has been meeting people from a wide variety of backgrounds and discovering new places across the city. I particularly value how much the city combines academic, social, and cultural life in one place. There are always new museums, cafés, parks, events, and neighbourhoods to explore. I also love the contrast London provides: one moment you can be surrounded by the energy of the city, and shortly afterwards you can find yourself in a much quieter, greener environment.

LinkedIn profile:

What were you doing before joining MultiSci?

MRes.

Why did you choose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project?

I really liked the idea of the cross-disciplinary project where i could apply some of my knowledge an expertise whilst learning about a new field! Also, the industry placement was key!! This is very rare and very hard to get, but it plays a critical role in your career choice after the PhD completion.
What will you be researching for your PhD?

My project focuses on a specific type of scarring known as keloids. In particular, I will investigate the itch and pain associated with these scars. My ultimate goal is to develop in vitro and ex vivo models that will enable a detailed study of these symptoms and help identify their underlying causes.

How has being part of a MultiSci cohort benefitted you so far?

Being part of MultiSci has enabled me to get funding for high-cost training that will benefit me as a researcher, as well as funding mini courses that will prove useful during my PhD! What is key to all of these is the constant support of the MultiSci team and the reassurance of always being able to reach out whatever you need!

What's your top tip for anyone considering applying for a MultiSci iCASE project?  

I applied to more than 6 PhD projects and I've looked into another 30. The opportunities you get; from having access to knowledge and expertise across different disciplines, to having the ability go out in industry and see how your work directly translates, are incredible.

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your scientific career to date?

Myself five years ago. Not believing I could ever get where I am today. Little me always questioning why things happen the way they do and what could be the underlining cause of everything.

What do you enjoy most about doing research?

I now have the chance to use my curiosity and through my research make a difference for someone who all they've been told is "We're sorry there is no cure for your condition".

What animal best represents you and why?

Definitely a wolf. I'm strongly independent but always working within a team, thoughtful, loyal to a small circle, and having a sense of purpose is my driving force.

What you would like to do after your PhD?

A year ago I wasn't planning on doing a PhD and here I am! I think research could take you down many paths, so who knows where I'll be in 3 years time - how exciting!!

What are your hobbies?

I run and train in the gym regularly, but when I have some free time, I enjoy long dog walks and exploring new places with loved ones.

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in London?

Although I live outside London as I prefer to be in a more quiet area and often commute into London, it's always mind-blowing to have all these little independent restaurants and cafes within close reach, as well as socialising with people from different backgrounds, learning about their cultures.

LinkedIn profile:

What were you doing before joining MultiSci?

Before joining MultiSci, I was working in industry and gaining experience across a range of technical and research-focused projects.

Why did you choose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project?

I chose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project because it offered a strong combination of academic research and industrial relevance. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to work on a project with real-world impact while developing both my technical skills and broader understanding of how research can be translated into practical applications.

What will you be researching for your PhD?

My PhD research focuses on integrating current lab-on-chip technology with an automated sample-to-result platform, using an industry-driven approach. The aim is to help develop more practical, reliable, and scalable diagnostic systems that can support real-world applications.

How has being part of a MultiSci cohort benefitted you so far?

Being part of the MultiSci cohort has been really valuable because it has given me the chance to meet researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds. It has helped me feel part of a wider community, broadened my perspective on research, and provided useful opportunities for networking, collaboration and professional development.

What's your top tip for anyone considering applying for a MultiSci iCASE project?

My top tip would be to think carefully about what motivates you and what kind of research environment suits you best. A MultiSci iCASE project can be a great fit if you enjoy working at the interface of academia and industry and are excited by research with practical applications.

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your scientific career to date?

Elena Perini my coworker is the source of my inspiration and motivation and brings joy to my day.

What do you enjoy most about doing research?

What I enjoy most about doing research is the process of solving problems and learning something new. I find it rewarding to take on complex challenges, test ideas, and gradually build understanding through experimentation and analysis.

What animal best represents you and why?

I would probably say an owl, because I like being thoughtful, observant and analytical, especially when approaching difficult problems.

What would you like to do after your PhD?

Still hasn’t crossed my mind yet but definitely will be in Research / R&D.

What are your hobbies?

Running, Hiking, Backpacking, Archery.

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in London?

There is so much stuff to do in London and so much good food!

LinkedIn profile:

What were you doing before joining MultiSci?

I took a year out after my master’s during which I spent 6 months as an intern at a London-based sports technology startup. This company makes devices for ski coaching, and I worked in customer service, spending 3 months in Innsbruck where I was able to ski lots with the product.

Before that time off, I had just completed my Masters in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge where I spent my final year studying Materials Science and completed a dissertation on biomedical materials.

Why did you choose to apply for a MultiSci iCASE project?

As a materials scientist with a background in physical sciences, I am aware of my own shortcomings when it comes to work in the medical field. Therefore, the success of my work is always going to rely on the collaboration of researchers from other fields. Being aware of the need for interdisciplinary work, I felt that the MultiSci iCASE project embodied that idea in a way that suited me very well.

I also really liked the idea of being able to interact with others in my cohort, all of whom come from different fields.

Finally, I am excited to complete a 3-month industry placement as this will be a great opportunity for me to get a taste of industry and see if it is right for me. 

What will you be researching for your PhD?

My research will focus on the development of antimicrobial materials for orthopaedic applications. Bioactive glass was first discovered by Larry Hench as an osteogenicmaterial capable of bonding to bones and encouraging bones to heal. A newer “Bouncy Bioglass” developed by Jones et al. combines the bioactivity of the glass and toughness from polymers, in order to create a material with superior mechanical properties.

My work will focus on producing a device that reduces the need for antibiotics by providing antimicrobial properties thanks to the incorporation of zinc ions into the material. This requires the incorporation of zinc ions into the material chemistry before testing in vitro with bacteria and cells before finally developing a device for chondral regeneration via 3D printing using direct ink writing.

How has being part of MultiSci cohort benefitted you so far?

Already in my first year I have had many opportunities to attend workshops that take a big picture approach to my PhD. It is easy to get bogged down in the details of an experimental set up and forget about the importance of scientific communication and ethics, for instance.

These workshops are a great opportunity to remind myself of why I am doing my research as well as providing another contact point to chat to other students doing similar work and decompress.

What’s your top tip for anyone considering applying for a MultiSci iCASE project?

Speak to the supervisor as much as possible before starting. You really want to make sure that you are able to communicate with each other and try to find out as much as possible about what it will be like to work in their group. Can you imagine this person being your main point of contact for your research and your mentor?

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your scientific career to date?

To be honest, I have very vivid memories of watching the TV series “Wonders of the Solar System” as a child, presented by Brian Cox. Watching this really made me want to be a scientist, although I unfortunately have not pursued astrophysics.

What do you enjoy most about doing research?

The sense that I take full ownership of my work from start to finish. I really enjoy the feeling of systematically trying something totally novel. Noone else knows the “correct” answer either and coming up with ideas to then try out myself and having the freedom to do so feels very rewarding. Even when things don’t work, I feel that I am learning and progressing. I look forward to continuing to develop my ideas and see where they end up!

What you would like to do after your PhD

I am really open to options here. I know that I want to continue to pursue science. Be that in academia, industry or a consulting role, I am not sure. I know that I have at least 3 years left of my studies and if you had asked me 3 years ago if I wanted to do a PhD, I most likely would have said no, so I’m against making any concrete statements about my future.

What are your hobbies?

I love cooking. I also like to play sports recreationally – namely squash and tennis. I like to read during my commute and follow the F1 on the weekends.

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in London?

I love that most of my friends also live in London. I can stay in touch with friends from school, my undergraduate and new friends from 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ all with relative ease. Compared to my undergraduate in a smaller town, I also like that there is so much to London outside of being a student and the College. Being a postgraduate student, I do still love the University life but do want to have opportunities to feel like I am not re-living my undergrad days.