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I love hearing other people's stories. The Scientist is (almost) always more interesting than the science. So prepare to be underwhelmed!
My merry adventures in science are a bit backwards
#IAmAScientist #ScientistsWithoutLabels
#WomenInSTEM
#HerResearchMatters @ArisbelBGondin https://twitter.com/ArisbelBGondin/status/1287677025650479104
My merry adventures in science are a bit backwards
#IAmAScientist #ScientistsWithoutLabels
#WomenInSTEM
#HerResearchMatters @ArisbelBGondin https://twitter.com/ArisbelBGondin/status/1287677025650479104
1/ I'm Irish (and more recently Straylian). The 'proper' spelling of my name in Irish is Órfhlaith ní Fhiannaidhe. Which translates to Golden Princess Warrior. As a wimp who resembles a day walking vampire, safe to say that's a misnomer. The English version, Orla, means vomit.
2/ One of 5 kids, my family live across 3 continents, 4 timezones. Great for insomnia, there's always someone awake the other end of the planet. Our parents are legends who value education & independence. They never went to uni, you can imagine how hard they worked, we all did.
3/ I wasn't good or bad at Science. College applications spanned science, journalism, aeronautical engineering. My career guidance teacher was a nun, I chose forensic science mainly to annoy her & did a degree in analytical chemistry. @misseims can vouch for my antagonism.
4/ My first job was in startup pharma. I was the 6th person in the door. We did everything from setting up the QC system for our mfg licence, to meeting VC to raise funds, to labwork. It was four mad years of on the job learning, & it was such a laugh. (Also, share options 
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5/ At the start of 2008 @jsteakham & I decided against buying in Dublin just before the Celtic Tiger met the GFC. We took our deposit and travelled. That year long adventure was truly one of the best things we've done. I won't bore you where we went, but we got halfway round.
6/ In Oz we went west, Darwin, Perth, Margaret River, Esperance, Kal. I got a job as a development analyst in Port Fairy. As we were signing a lease (on ocean drive!), I got a call to say Dad had cancer. We shelved the plans to work & travel the Americas another year & went home.
7/ I started as senior research analyst in another startup, and it was nice but not as challenging or diverse. So I daydreamed about doing a PhD. I'd been reading papers from this sleeveless legend in MIPS and cold called him. We moved to Oz the week after Dad had the all clear.
8/ The rest is history! I did my PhD in lipid based drug delivery, switched to lymphatic transport & nanomed. Now I lead a wonderful team in #TheRealPorterLab. We're maximising lymphatic exposure for cancer & autoimmune diseases. Both dear to me, our unfortunate family heirlooms
9/ Most importantly I didn't do any of this alone. Jonny is my rock, our families & friends forgive our absence, the crew in MIPS my extended family & we work with some great companies, scientists & students.
If I had any advice, it's to be brave. The worst anyone can say is no.
If I had any advice, it's to be brave. The worst anyone can say is no.
