Join us for the first ever Story Collider in Cambridge, held in partnership with the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute! We'll present five true, personal stories on the theme of "regeneration and renewal."
Stories by:
Fiona Calvert is a third-year PhD student at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute where she focusses on the role of the immune system in Alzheimer’s disease. She uses stem cells to understand how genetic mutations can affect the functions of microglia, a vital immune cell in the brain. As well as being fascinated and constantly amazed by the biology of the brain, Fiona is also passionate about science communication and loves any opportunity to talk about the wonderful world of microglia!
Eva Higginbotham is a 3rd year PhD candidate on the University of Cambridge’s ‘Developmental Mechanisms’ programme. She works with fruit flies to discover how neurons decide on their neurotransmitter phenotype during embryogenesis, but has been fascinated by all facets of developmental biology since her undergraduate degree at the University of Manchester. Born in Boston to American parents, she moved to England as a child but travels back every year to enjoy family, friends, and food.
Toria Stafford is a final year PhD student in the School of Chemistry at the University of Manchester. Her research looks at lanthanides, uranium and other radioactive actinide elements by emission spectroscopy to further understand processes and fingerprint species relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle. She has a passion for science communication, public engagement and women in STEM advocacy, jumping at the chance to take part in events throughout the UK. Outside the lab, Toria enjoys reading sci-fi/fantasy books, watching musicals and eating chocolate.
Samantha Tilson is a second year PhD student in the National Institutes of Health Oxford Cambridge Scholars Program. Her research focuses on using induced pluripotent stem cells to model complex liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C virus. Originally from Littleton, Colorado, she obtained her undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). Outside of research, she enjoys watching television, listening to podcasts, and crocheting.