We would like to introduce ourselves as your NERD committee! Below you will find a short biography on each of us, detailing our career stage and associated Institute. Please come and chat to us at the next NERD event!

We are looking for new committee members! If you would like to be involved in running future NERD events, please e-mail us at cams-iii-nerd-committee@lists.cent.gla.ac.uk

Hannah Bialic

I am a slightly atypical ECR who first began working at the University of Glasgow as a technician in a  rheumatology clinical trials lab. Afterwards, I returned to research as a research assistant studying neuroimmunology (specifically Guillain Barre Syndrome for any PNS people!). I have transitioned into a public engagement role within the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology. NERD is a spectacular resource and I am extremely enthusiastic about planning events and support for ECRs navigating their careers!

Hannah Bialic

 

Josie Fullerton

Josie Fullerton is a Research Associate in the Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences at the University of Glasgow. Her main research interests include stroke, vascular cognitive impairment, and small vessel disease. Outside of her main role, Josie is one of the committee members for NERD, as well as one of the ECR representatives for Alzheimer’s Research UK and sits on the Athena Swan Career Development committee. She is keen to open opportunities for ECRs and develop events, seminars, or meetings to enable their professional and personal development. Twitter handle: @JosieNeuro

Laura Dowsett

I joined the University of Glasgow (ICAMS) in 2017 and am currently a BHF funded Research Associate. My work investigates the cardiovascular risk factor Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and how it effects the function of blood vessels. After taking part in many NERD events; and writing successful grant applications after attending NERD’s grant writing workshops. I would now love to give back to the ECR community and look forward to being part of the NERD committee.

Laura Dowsett

Alexandra Riddell

After qualifying as a vet in 2015, I decided to pursue my love for science and academia and undertake a British Heart Foundation funded PhD at the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences (ICAMS). I am now in my first post-doctoral position at the same institute, where I focus on blood vessels in the brain and their importance for brain health, particularly in relation to stroke.

I have an active interest in promoting a positive research culture and good mental wellbeing amongst researchers. Through my role in the NERD committee, I hope to support fellow ECRs navigate any challenges faced in the pursuit of careers both within and outside of academia.

Hannah Mearns

I’m Hannah, a 3rd year PhD student based at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research up at the Garscube Campus, where my project is focused on the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

I recently joined the NERD committee as one of two PhD reps, alongside Tian! We’re both here to help voice the thoughts and opinions of PhD students to the committee.

 

Jessica Perochon

After obtaining my PhD in France, I came to Glasgow University for a postdoctoral position.

I am currently a research associate at the Institute of Cancer Sciences (ICS) based at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre.

The aim of my research is to understand how an organ adapts to maintain homeostasis in context of stress/injury, with a specific focus on intestinal stem cells adaptation and responses to changes in their micro and macro-environment.

I have recently joined the NERD committee as it constitutes a fantastic opportunity to be connected with other early career researchers, and to exchange about different career paths.

This network provides an essential support to anyone who is willing to progress in their academic career or to transition to a career in industry. 

I am keen to learn from other members experience and to contribute to develop further this resource.

 

Joe Jones

Having recently finished by PhD at UCL in London, I started my postdoctoral position in the Helgason lab at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre in May of 2021. My current project involves collaboration with a pharmaceutical company based in the USA, where we are working together to improve small molecule targeting of autophagy for cancer therapy.

My recent insights into science from an industry perspective have furthered my interest in non-academic careers for scientists, and I am looking forward to contributing to the fantastic work the NERD committee does in supporting ECRs in their developing careers.

Karen Bellec

After completing my PhD in France in 2018, I joined the laboratory of Prof. Julia Cordero in Glasgow in January 2019. I work as a Research Assistant at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre in the Garscube Campus of the University of Glasgow. During my studies, I started to work with the model system Drosophila melanogaster and since then I have continued to work with them. Today, my research is about understanding how intestinal stem cells adapt to tissue damage to drive intestinal regeneration.

I recently joined the NERD committee to help and support ECRs in their developing careers. As a ECR myself, the NERD committee also gives me the opportunity to explore the possibilities for my career and to learn about the experience from other members and invited speakers.

 

Laura Haag

I am a postdoc in the Department of Human Nutrition working on the Long COVID study ReDIRECT. Soon after joining the University of Glasgow, I attended a career event organised by NERD. Inspired by the fantastic event, I joined the NERD committee, keen to contribute to their important work. I look forward to supporting ECRs in their professional and personal development and promoting a positive research culture and community.

 

Hannah Bialic

I am a slightly atypical ECR who first began working at the University of Glasgow as a technician in a  rheumatology clinical trials lab. Afterwards, I returned to research as a research assistant studying neuroimmunology (specifically Guillain Barre Syndrome for any PNS people!). I have transitioned into a public engagement role within the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology. NERD is a spectacular resource and I am extremely enthusiastic about planning events and support for ECRs navigating their careers!

Hannah Bialic

 

Tian Yuanliangzi

After finishing my master’s degree in China, I joined University of Glasgow as a PhD student in Cancer Sciences during the pandemic in early 2021.

My research is to investigate the role of metabolic adaptations of intestinal stem cells in intestinal regeneration upon damage, by using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system.

Being a recent member of the NERD committee, I am mainly involved in providing social media support for our NERD events and organising events that are more aimed at PGR students.

I hope more and more ECRs could benefit from the efforts NERD is making in filling the gap between academia and industry during their career development.