Queen Mary is celebrating our postdocs and the contributions they make to research, impact, and culture during National Postdoc Appreciation Week, which runs between 16-20 September.
In this special edition, we asked colleagues from across our Faculties to share their experience of being a postdoctoral researcher at Queen Mary:
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve worked at Queen Mary?
I completed PhD research at Queen Mary in the Department of Chemistry, focusing on developing drug delivery systems to the brain. After that, I spent two years working as an industrial researcher, where I developed biodegradable materials for medical devices and textiles. That experience really sparked my interest in plastic pollution and ways to address it. So, in February this year, I returned to Queen Mary to work on understanding the impact of plastic pollution, particularly how plastics is affected by weather, how microplastics are formed, and what are the effect of microplastics consumption on human health.
Describe your average day/week?
My day-to-day activities are quite varied. I usually start my mornings by reading papers to stay updated, and then I tackle the most pressing tasks—lately, that includes writing grant applications and research publication a few month ago. I usually spend a good portion of my time helping new students, teaching them how to use equipment or assisting with data analysis. There’s always a bit of administrative work too, like managing equipment orders and maintenance.
While I have not been in the lab much recently due to focusing on grant applications writing - which I’ve really enjoyed - I’m excited to get back to hands-on experimental work too. I’ll be preparing microplastics by using artificial weathering of commercial plastic materials and characterising their physicochemical properties and how representative they are compared to environmental samples.
Tell us about a project or opportunity that you’ve had a chance work on recently.
I'm excited to be participating in the International Meeting and Summer School of the GreenX3 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, which will take place in Trieste, Italy, from 9 to 13 September 2024. I was honoured to be invited as a speaker, and I'll be delivering two lectures: one on the ‘Impact of Micro- and Nano-Plastics on Human Health’ and another on ‘Artificial Weathering of Plastic Materials and Their Characterisation.’ It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with professionals from both industry and academia working on sustainable materials and technologies for a circular economy, and I’m really looking forward to expanding my network and hearing about the latest research in the field.
What do you see as your role in helping the University achieve its Strategy 2030?
My work addresses one of today’s critical societal challenges - microplastic pollution and its impact on human health. This aligns with the University’s goal of producing world-leading research with both global and local societal impact. My work not only seeks to advance knowledge in this area but also contributes to interdisciplinary research that can lead to practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Additionally, by supporting MSc and undergraduate students in the lab, I’m helping to develop the next generation of researchers. Ensuring they have a positive and enriching first experience in research aligns with the University's commitment to fostering talent and diversity, and to building a world-class research environment. I hope to inspire students to pursue research careers and contribute to Queen Mary's goal of nurturing world-leaders in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research.
What is your favourite place on any of our campuses?
My favourite spot has to be the canal at the Mile End campus, right next to France House. I love having lunch there in the summer - it’s so peaceful, and I’ve even seen a turtle swimming there once! The regular swans, ducks, and passing boats add to the charm. I also really enjoy the Postgraduate Reading Rooms on the top floor of the Graduate Centre. It’s a great place for quiet study, and the beautiful view of London is always a bonus.
What would you want new postdocs to know about working at Queen Mary?
I think it’s important for new postdocs to know that while the research environment at Queen Mary is excellent, there’s so much more to take advantage of beyond research. Postdoctoral work is a unique time to shape your career in different ways. Whether it’s developing leadership skills, connecting your research to policy, participating in outreach, or improving your teaching abilities, Queen Mary offers experienced teams that can support you in these areas. My advice would be to get involved with these opportunities - they can really enrich your postdoc experience and help you grow both professionally and personally.
Do you have any hobbies or pastimes outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m an avid reader and enjoy diving into a wide variety of books. I also love playing complex board games with friends, which is always a great way to unwind while still staying mentally engaged. In my free time, I try to stay active by hiking and exploring nature, and I have a passion for traveling and discovering new places and beautiful landscapes.
I joined Queen Mary in April 2023 as a postdoctoral researcher, working on the ERC-funded project Textuality and Diversity: A Literary History of Europe and its Global Connections, 1529–1683, led by Professor Warren Boutcher in the School of English and Drama. We are putting together a multi-volume history of early modern literature, with around one hundred academics contributing chapters. The project asks how social and cultural diversity shaped, and was shaped by, texts and textual forms.
My own research looks at the relationship between imaginative writing and the debates and conflicts of the Reformation in early modern England and Europe; at the moment, I’m concentrating on baroque Latin drama and writing a chapter for the project on the representation of Byzantium (the Eastern Roman Empire) in seventeenth-century school plays – this was a highly popular genre all over Europe and raises important questions about how Europe imagined itself, its history, and its relationship with the rest of the world.
I usually work in the British Library; I’ll spend my mornings catching up with project work (organising workshops and events, corresponding with contributors, editing chapters, or securing pictures to go with them). In the afternoons, I get on with my own research and with writing my chapter for the project. This also means looking at manuscripts or rare books in the British Library and other archives. Around once a week, I’ll go to a research seminar in the early evening, sometimes organised by our project or at another institute in the University of London.
Tell us about a project or opportunity that you’ve had a chance to work on recently.
In May this year, we had the first of this year’s project workshops at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. A group of around thirty academics from several different countries attended to present work towards their chapters – the papers covered everything from communities on board sixteenth-century ships, seventeenth-century Dutch drama about Japan, and travel accounts of the Ottoman Empire, to multilingual libels. I enjoyed presenting my own chapter and meeting such a wide range of scholars working across different specialties and areas. Visiting Budapest’s thermal baths post-workshop was also a highlight.
I really like the canal side. On a sunny day, the walk from Victoria Park is lovely.
One of the things I’ve really enjoyed about being at Queen Mary is our links with other institutions and parts of the University of London. It’s also been great meeting other Humanities scholars in different departments; the variety of research happening in the Humanities at Queen Mary is very exciting.
I like going to galleries, the cinema, and theatre when I can; I also recently walked across Northumberland and am looking forward to doing some more hiking soon.
I have been a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Centre for Endocrinology at the William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI) for the past 2.5 years. My research focuses on the genetics involved with puberty and, in particular, I investigate the factors that influence pubertal development and lead to disorders in pubertal timing. In addition to my research, I am involved in teaching and mentoring students, as well as representing postdocs.
An average week for me typically involves a balance of research, teaching, mentoring, and attending to other responsibilities. On the research side, I analyse genetic data, plan and carry out experiments, and collaborate with colleagues on projects related to pubertal disorders. I also attend team and departmental meetings to discuss progress, share ideas.
In addition to research, I teach and mentor students, delivering lectures, leading lab sessions, and supervising student projects. I’m also actively studying for my Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), which adds a layer of professional development to my routine.
As a postdoc representative, I dedicate time to meeting with other postdocs to address concerns and nurture a supportive working environment. My week is a diverse mix of these activities, ensuring I contribute to both the research and academic communities.
I attended the Endocrine Society Annual Conference in Boston this past June, where I presented two oral presentations and a poster. It was an incredible experience, and I was honoured to receive the 'Outstanding Abstract Award' and the 'Outstanding Project in Endocrinology Award' for my work. This recognition reinforced the importance of my research and gave me the chance to engage with leading experts in the field.
My research aligns with the University's goal of producing world-class, impactful, interdisciplinary research that addresses global health challenges. In addition, I help create a supportive academic environment and culture, through my mentoring and representative activities, and do my part to promote a collaborative and inclusive academic community, which is essential to the University’s long-term vision for innovation and societal impact.
What would you want new postdocs to know about working Queen Mary?
For new postdocs at the WHRI at Queen Mary, I’d highlight the collaborative research environment and the strong support for professional development. You’ll have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary projects, access mentoring, and attend training workshops. It’s also a great place to balance research with other roles like teaching or mentoring, and being involved in postdoc groups allows you to shape your experience and ensure your voice is heard.
Outside of work, I enjoy watching detective series on Netflix, getting some rest whenever I can, and traveling when I can afford it. These hobbies help me unwind and recharge after a busy week.
I don’t have a specific favourite place yet, but I enjoy the collaborative spaces where I can connect with colleagues and students. It’s in those areas where some of the most interesting ideas and discussions often take place.
Queen Mary will be celebrating our postdocs and the contributions they make to research, impact, and culture during National Postdoc Appreciation Week, which runs between 16-20 September.
Staff and students can send messages of appreciation to individual postdocs, which will get published on our social media feeds and website, and the postdoc will receive the printed message and a little gift. We are also running a new Welcome Event for Postdocs and Early-career Researchers, and our popular Postdoc Comedy Night, which closes off the week. For more information on the campaigns and events, visit Queen Mary's Postdoc Appreciation Week webpage.