Why genomics? ‘Origin stories’ from the professionals
Hear why five members of the Genomics Training Academy (GTAC) team chose to pursue careers in genomics
Have you ever wondered how some genomics professionals got their starts, or what first inspired them? At a recent Genomics Training Academy (GTAC) meeting, we asked a few team members about their ‘origin stories’ – here’s what they had to say:
Fern Johnson, education specialist for GTAC bioinformatics:
“I came to my career in bioinformatics in a bit of a roundabout way. I did my degree in biological sciences, which was broad. I knew I liked bioinformatics, evolutionary biology and similar applications. While working in a charity that organised palliative care for people with cancer or other conditions, I spoke with lots of patients on the phone and heard their stories. It was quite heartbreaking, and I wondered if I could go into a research-type role that could explore more treatment options to help. My MSc in bioinformatics was still quite broad, but going into the Scientist Training Programme (STP) brought together all my interests by allowing me to take up a role that directly impacts and helps people.”
Chris Watt, GTAC Genomic Laboratory Hub practice educator:
“Art and PE were always my favourite subjects when I was growing up. But I remember being taught about transcription and translation during a science lesson when I was about 15, and it absolutely fascinated me. I went home and found a video on YouTube so I could watch the process. The next day I showed my teacher, who then showed the rest of the class on the projector! I’ve always been interested in evolution and natural selection, which naturally drew me to cancer genomics as an STP trainee. Recently, my amazing dad passed away from cancer which has really fuelled my desire to become the best clinical scientist I can be. I am committed to making my own small yet meaningful contribution to the care of cancer patients.”
Jennifer Whitfield, GTAC Genomic Laboratory Hub practice educator:
“I was told at my GCSEs that I would never be able to do science. That is what gave me the motivation to pursue it. In university, I focused on chromosomes. At a job interview for a level-one medical technical officer, I was the only applicant who had done chromosomes. Now I am a clinical scientist and practice educator for a Genomic Laboratory Hub. The takeaway? Pursue your dreams – and don’t ever put a kid down!”
Anita Luharia, GTAC Genomic Laboratory Hub practice educator
“My final-year degree dissertation involved looking at P16 gene variants in oesophageal cancer, which became my entry into genetics – I loved it. My first job was as an MTO2 (medical technical officer grade two) at the Birmingham Genetics Lab 25 years ago. My passion for diagnostic genetics grew through this role, so I applied for the scientist training scheme and was lucky enough to get a position. After two years of training, I secured a role as a scientist, and so followed 20 years of clinical service delivery in molecular genetics, working on various diseases and testing pathways. My love for cancer genetics was firmly embedded at the start of my career, and it is the area in which I have worked for the last 14 years. Genomics is exciting and dynamic. Year on year, when talking to STP trainees or new starters, I find myself repeating the line: ‘The pace of change and growth in genomics is what makes it a really exciting field to work in.’ I don’t foresee a time when I won’t be able to use that line! We make a difference to patients through exciting, interesting and innovative work. Each day is varied, and you are always learning – I certainly know I am.”
Jennie Bell, professional lead for GTAC lab groups:
“As a teenager, I remember seeing a bumblebee on the front cover of my A-level textbook for biology. It was pollenating a foxglove, and it sparked my curiosity to learn more about plants and, ultimately, science. My teacher inspired and encouraged me in my studies, and my journey took me into genomics. Sometimes a bit of encouragement can change the course of a person’s life.”
- What is the Genomics Training Academy? Learn more about the GTAC here
