Bethan Preece
Hiya! I’m Beth I’m a PhD student from South Wales, and I’m a PhD student based at the University of Glasgow, where I’m researching the role of Toxoplasma gondii's mitochondrial respiratory chain in establishing infection in the host. Approximately one-third of the human population has toxoplasmosis, an incurable lifelong condition due to tissue cysts called Bradyzoites, which can form anywhere in the body, including the brain. My project will focus on these bradyzoites and the importance of the mitochondria in their survival and establishment of chronic infection in the host.
I never thought a life of academia was in the cards for me; After completing my Bsc(Hons) in Biomedical Science at LJMU I thought I would struggle my way through my Msc in Tropical Disease Biology at LSTM, then slowly climb my way up corporate ladders in commercial laboratories. After a random job opportunity as a research technician within the Sheiner Lab at the University of Glasgow, my passion for learning and interest in infectious diseases reignited, and so I applied to North West Bio.
I had never heard of T.gondii before joining the Sheiner lab, and now, when I close my eyes, I see bradyzoites behind my eyelids.
Outside of obsessing over parasites, you can find me obsessing over video games, especially Dark Souls games, which have taught me valuable lessons such as: If you fail 20+ times at achieving a goal, that doesn’t mean you’ll fail the 21st time.