Sorcha Donnelly
Postgraduate Research Student at Queen's University Belfast
Enjoy what you do. You will need to do a lot of reading, studying, researching and writing about your subject - this is much easier done if you enjoy and are interested in what you study. As you go through school your pool of subject choices gets smaller (11 GCSEs to 4 A-levels to 3 University modules etc) so make sure you always choose what you are interested in as this makes study so much easier.
About Sorcha...
Who am I?
"I research and experiment on parasites to try to discover new ways of controlling them and disease, as well as observing their properties. The worm I work with causes a lot of disease worldwide and I like to think that my research will help people in the future overcome this huge problem and potentially save lives. I love working with scientists who are working on different projects and learning about new research that is happening around the world. PhD students also must attend national and international conferences as well as outreach hours to further their skills and employability. After completion of a PhD a person is awarded the title of Doctor and considered an expert in their field of research. People may wish to stay in the academic field and become teachers or university lecturers or take on a Post-docs role and continue on their research in the lab as an employee of the university. I like that I am getting paid to achieve a qualification. "
What do I do?
"It is important to be self-motivated and be happy to carry out your work independently. Although you have a supervisor and peers, you are the expert on your project and need to take ownership of it. I think my Communicator may help, as I do have to explain a lot of technical facts in my research. Trainer is also fitting, because I am good at explaining ideas to others. "
How did I get here?
"I was lucky enough to have two fabulous Biology teachers who encouraged me to pursue this subject at university. While there, I was inspired by female lecturers who were so intelligent and capable and I wanted to be like them. I was also spurred on by the fact that women in STEM are poorly represented as science is still seen as a male field with fewer women following this route than Arts and Humanities professions. As an ardent STEMinist, I was determined to progress through the field. People said that a girl couldn't do my job because it involves some gross aspects (the worms are found in the intestine...). I enjoy surprising people with my job description and often it is boys who turn green! I consider myself funny and enjoy making terrible jokes about the parasites!"
The life I live
"I enjoy arts and crafts like knitting and sewing. My Granny taught me when I was young and as a poor student it was very useful for giving inexpensive hand-made gifts. I love watching movies and am very fond of socialising and going dancing. "
My typical day
"I work in a lab where I carry out experiments on parasite worms. These are live animals that need to be maintained. I am currently investigating how the worms are able to live inside the host (humans) without being destroyed."
My qualifications
"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) A level Biology (A), Music (B), Chemistry (C), As level English (B). Undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, etc.) 2:1 in Biological Science with Degree Plus. "