Maria
O'Hanlon

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

I loved Nottingham as a city but was drawn to NTU because of how hands on and practical the course was. I wanted to make sure I left university with wet lab skills as well as theoretical knowledge, and NTU could provide me with that. I also was intrigued by the option of doing a placement year, something that I am pleased I ended up doing as I think it really shaped and developed me as a scientist.

What did you think of the support available from staff and others at NTU?

The staff at NTU were amazing, my tutors were fabulous throughout and I always felt supported. The teaching staff were always so enthusiastic, and many stick in my mind as having inspired me with their love for their subject.

What was the highlight of your course?

I particularly enjoyed my final year, where we had more biomedical science lectures that related to being a biomedical scientist. I think this was enhanced by my placement year as a trainee Biomedical Scientist in a histology lab which was a huge highlight of my degree.

What is your current job role?

My current role is a Research Manager for The Lily Foundation, a rare disease charity for mitochondrial disease. My job is to manage the research portfolio that Lily funds - which is quite extensive, as they are the largest charitable funder of mitochondrial disease research in the UK. I look after projects all across the U.K., from basic lab work through to clinical trials. It’s very varied!! The other half of my job is to communicate the science behind the disease to our community - so I’m responsible for producing interesting and understandable comms to explain the disease to many who have no idea what it really means. I find my job incredibly rewarding. Before my current role, I worked in research/academia while doing my PhD in mitochondrial biology, and then worked as a science writer for a pharma marketing company, working with some of the big names in drug development.

What did you learn while you were at NTU, and what inspired you to follow your chosen career path?

I learned so much about science, biology and research. Before I joined NTU I had no idea you could have a career in research, let alone how to do a PhD. My degree gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my skills and push myself to achieve more. I was deeply inspired during my placement year and learned how to really be a scientist.

During the summers of my degree I worked in a children’s occupational therapy firm, and met a young boy with mitochondrial disease. I remember coming back to NTU after the summer and wanting to know more about genetic diseases. I was so inspired by the young boy and interested by genetic diseases, that I knew I wanted to continue to research this area - which is what led me to my PhD. The boy died during my PhD, and I ended up dedicating my thesis to him.

Advice to others?

Self-belief is probably my biggest personal challenge - imposter syndrome affects everyone! I try to overcome it by pushing myself into situations that I know will improve my skills and knowledge - doing public talks, publishing, podcasts. It’s always scary, but it feels amazing afterwards and I feel on top of the world. So go for it!