What is your current role? Tell us a bit about your research
I am a PhD candidate in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Leeds, UK. I am looking into how a membrane protein traffics from Golgi (its “home”) to cell surface which I refer as its “workplace” (because only then it’s available for myriad of activities like signaling). I use primary endothelial cells as my model, and understanding the trafficking mechanism will unfold the protein’s role in blood vessel formation. I am also a co-organiser of the Leeds ReproducibiliTea journal club, where we are promoting discussions on Open Research across several disciplines. I have also worked as a Policy Associate for DORA (The San Francisco on Research Assessment) that is reforming research assessment practices globally.
Why did you choose to participate in the ASAPbio Fellows program?
I have been inspired by the initiatives driven by ASAPbio through community engagement. I think the Fellows program is a great platform for us as ECRs to advocate for Open Science through the preprint route. And I am excited to have a hands-on experience in putting the voices of like-minded individuals into practices, while exploring effective measures towards openness and transparency in Life Sciences.
What are you excited about in science communication?
The best thing about science communication for me is it opens up my creative side! While engaging with public, I like sharing analogies to relate the complex science that happens in and around us. It is also interesting to hear comments/feedback on our work from completely different perspectives. But more importantly, it’s fuelling when people tell about their faith in the scientific community, as we often tend to take our opportunities and skills for granted.
Ask me about….
I love experimenting things, if not in the lab I am in my kitchen trying different recipes. Also I enjoy spending time outdoors, and mostly up for a hike!