Profile
Ruth Mitchell
My CV
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Education:
2011-current: University of Bristol, PhD Student; 2008-2011: University of Sheffield, Biomedical Science; 2002-2008: Lycee Francais Joseph Kessel, Djibouti.
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Qualifications:
BSc in Biomedical Science; Baccalaureate Scientific Francais.
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Work History:
In care home; As an audit assistant.
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Current Job:
PhD Student
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I’m a PhD student in immunology, more specifically I look at the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. This is where the body breaks down the myelin wrapped around the nerves. Myelin helps in conducting the messages from the brain to different parts of the body like telling you to walk. So when the myelin gets broken down it means that the messges don’t get through. I am looking into the treatment of this disease by using a bit of myelin to sensitize the body. A bit like when people with a peanut allergy get given little bits of peanut and then they become tolerant to it. More specifically I’m looking at two messengers in the immunology in the processes of this sensitization.
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My Typical Day:
Scurrying between the lab and office: doing experiments in the lab and then sitting at a computer analysing them.
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I try and get in for 9 but usually it’s 9.30. Then I start by checking my emails and then working out all the concentrations for the reagents that I will need that day. I then venture into the lab and start my experiment which can range from staining cells for different cytokines to putting different samples on a gel and letting electricity separate them out. There is lots of waiting periods so during those I sit in the office, chat to those around me and analyse the experiments.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Use it to help disadvantage students get to university.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Sociable, helpful, determined
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Of course!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Mumford and Sons
What's your favourite food?
Raspberries
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To not make stupid mistakes, to have a brain big enough to understand everything, to use that knowledge to develop the world into a better place.
Tell us a joke.
On a dark night out at sea, two lights are seen. An American naval ship signals to the other light: “Alter your course we are going to colide!”. The reply comes: “No, you alter your course”. The Americans getting a bit angry: “We are an American aircraft carrier, YOU alter your course!”. The reply comes:” We are a lighthouse, your call.”.
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