Cassie Bakshani
I am a PhD student in the Marine Molecular Biosciences research group at Newcastle University. My research focusses on the discovery of marine microbial enzymes and their applications in industrial processes. I’ve been involved with {react} magazine as a writer, sub-editor and blogger since 2016 and in that time have learnt so much, not only about the incredible work that goes on at the university, but also about the value of disseminating and communicating science in a fun and accessible way. {react} has also provided an excellent platform for me to write about my passions outside of research- environmental advocacy, gender equality and yoga.
Emma Kampouraki
I am currently completing my PhD at the Institute of Cellular Medicine in the field of Clinical Pharmacology. I carry out clinical research in patients taking oral anticoagulant treatment and I am particularly interested in Pharmacogenetics. I am currently one of the two Joint Editors and have written and blogged for {react} magazine since 2016. Science communication has helped me develop new skills and improve my teaching and presentation skills. I find it very useful for my future academic career and fun at the same time. I got to meet interesting people, grow my passion for science and learn new things.
Personal blog: https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/ekampouraki1/
Alethea Mountford
I am an Oceanography PhD student in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. My research focuses on the distribution of marine plastics, through numerical modelling and in situ sampling. I currently work as part of the design team of {react} magazine, which is the perfect opportunity for me to stay creative in science communication.
Personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/aletheaocean
Leonie Schittenhelm
I am a PhD student working at the Institute of Cellular Medicine at Newcastle University, that splits her time between labs in both Newcastle and Glasgow. I’m interested in exploring how your immune system becomes dysregulated in autoimmune diseases and work especially with clinical data from people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Writing for this blog keeps me up to date with all the amazing and plain fun science going on outside of my field and keeps me afloat when my experiments refuse to cooperate. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy cycling, cooking and meeting new dogs.
Personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeoSchittenhelm
Joseph Smith
I am a PhD student in my 3rd year at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research. My research focuses on the role of a particular group of enzymes, called kinases, in the development and progression of prostate cancer. I enjoy life in the lab, but have a particular passion for science communication, whether it’s presenting my research at a conference or writing a blog article for {react}. Being able to explain your research is an essential skill to possess as a scientist!