My name is Arvin Pierre and I’m a researcher in training (aka PhD student) under the supervision of Profs Neil Bulleid and Cheryl Woolhead. I’m originally from the lovely island of Grenada (it’s OK if you don’t know where this is; most people don’t) where I obtained a BS in Life Sciences from the St. George’s University. My passion for Science existed as far back as I could remember and while island life has many benefits e.g., year-round warmth and beautiful beaches, basic molecular research was not one of those. The decision to return to Glasgow for a PhD was quite an easy one as I had done my MSc in Biotechnology here and was returning to the same lab. My MSc project reignited my passion for Science that had waned, and I just knew deep down that I would be back. I returned with my family in February 2019 knowing that the university and the city could provide the means to pursue my other passion – music. Interestingly, my PhD offer came while I was preparing auditions for music school in Canada.

I like to think of myself as a semi-professional musician having shared the stage with many Caribbean and international artists including Arturo Tappin, Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, Tessan Chin, winner of The Voice 2013¸and Sinach (feel free to look these up). In fact, my music career was instrumental in providing the means for my return to Glasgow. During my PhD, I have been able to perform with several Bands at the university including the Glasgow University Sax Ensemble and the Big Band, this is always a great way to wind down after a hard day in the lab. And if the weather is good (it seldom is) I can always take a walk or run in one of the many parks which are scattered throughout the city.

I am happy to be able to share a small part of my story and if you’d like to know more we can always chat over a cup of coffee or Hot Chocolate‼

First published: 29 April 2021

<< Spotlight archive