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Amelia – profile

I am a second year PhD student in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London. My research looks at how fungi in the soil move water from one place to another. When I am not in the lab, I like to spend my time watching films, cooking, and travelling to new places.

Hear from Amelia, who's research focuses on engineering tiny devices that can be used under a microscope to study how fungi move water across their networks and interact with other microorganisms.

Education

GCSE (or equivalent): Electives were History, Art, ICT, Food Technology

A-Level (or equivalent): Biology, Film Studies, Psychology and AS level in Chemistry

Degrees:
• BSci Biological Sciences, University of Reading
• MRes in Biomedicine, University of Reading
• PhD in Bioengineering (on-going), Imperial College London

My research

My research focuses on engineering tiny devices that can be used under a microscope to study how fungi move water across their networks and interact with other microorganisms. Understanding how fungi move water through soil could help us find ways to grow plants in very dry environments.

My inspiration

Whilst I was studying at university, I really enjoyed working with microorganisms. I found it fascinating how some microorganisms can cause disease, some live inside us and keep us healthy, and some are essential for all life on Earth to exist.

Who is your STEM hero?

Mary Seacole, British-Jamaican nurse and businesswoman. She famously self-funded a hotel where she cared for sick and wounded soldiers during the Crimean war. Her selflessness and determination to care for those in need inspired me to pursue a career in STEM where I could be part of important scientific research that helps people and the planet.