Meet the team that works hard on the WISE 2021 Virtual Conference registration and evaluation.
Hannah Mizen is the Chair of the Registration & Evaluation Team for the WISE@QMUL International Women’s Day 2021 Conference. She is in the final year of her PhD exploring the role of small extracellular vesicles encapsulated miRNAs (MicroRNAs) in senescence and skin ageing.
“From the first time I visited a lab, I’ve been excited by the role science research can play in improving people’s lives, particularly through healthcare. I believe the most exciting strides in STEMM are achieved when diverse groups come together and through this conference we are able to champion inspiring people that demonstrate the many future directions our research can take us.”
Amy Dowse is in the second year of her PhD at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, investigating the use of technology in the treatment of anxiety in patients suffering from chronic pain. She has been part of WISE@QMUL since the start of her PhD and is giving her contribution in organising the International Women’s Day 2021 Conference.
“This conference is an amazing opportunity to showcase the fantastic contributions women make in STEMM subjects as well as encourage other women to follow in their footsteps to continue the great work being done.”
Isabelle Foote is a registered nurse and third year PhD student based in the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine. Her research project uses statistical genetics to explore the mechanisms by which risk factors may lead to dementia. Isabelle has been a WISE@QMUL committee member for the past year. She has been involved in organising the agenda and selecting speakers, and she is helping the Finance & Technology team to run the workshops. She is really excited about the broad backgrounds and specialisations of the speakers and is keen to hear about innovative ways in which different fields are responding to women in STEMM issues both in the UK and internationally.
Louise Gathercole is a second year PhD student in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and at Kew Gardens, studying the genomics of British oak trees and their microbiomes. She has previously worked in the museums and heritage sector, as a facilitator and trainer, and as a primary school teacher where she saw first-hand how gender stereotyping about careers can begin at a very early age. She has also taken time out of her career to be a full-time parent to her three daughters. Louise has been co-chair of WISE@QMUL since Feb 2020. She was involved in the early brainstorming for the conference and is working on evaluating the experience of the conference for both speakers and attendees. She is keen to be part of creating a world in which young people’s career choices are not defined by their gender, ethnic or class background and is keen to help raise awareness of the many different career options in STEMM.
Dr Jane Abbott is a medical doctor, and planning to sub-specialise in hepatology. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Medical Ethics and Law.Jane is currently a clinical research fellow at the Blizard Institute, with her project focusing on quality of life and improving patient engagement for patients with Chronic Hepatitis B; more recently, she has been involved in a Covid-19 vaccine trial.
“A late addition to the committee, I have assisted with reaching out to speakers and helping with registration. I am passionate about having positive female role models for the next generation and I believe WISE@QMUL is ideally placed to help promote STEMM careers and engage with local schools and undergraduates. The range of speakers in the conference pays testament to the endless career possibilities for women, and will be inspiring for all of us.”