Profile
Lena Ciric
My CV
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Education:
Europen School, Oxfordshire (1991-1997)
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Qualifications:
BA from the University of Oxford (1997-2000); PhD from Napier University, Edinburgh (2002-2006)
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Work History:
I’ve worked at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology – Oxford, King’s College London and University College London
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Current Job:
I’m a postdoctoral researcher.
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Rather than using conventional methods to study bacteria, like growing them, I look at their DNA to see how they interact with one another and the world around them. I also look at the genes that some bacteria have that make them resistant to antibiotics, like the ones in MRSA. These genes can often move from one type of bacteria to another so it’s really important to know how they work.
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My Typical Day:
My days are quite varied, but I spend most of my time in the lab carrying out experiments on my bacteria.
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This generally involves growing the bacteria, taking out their DNA and then manipulating it in various ways. But I also spend time analysing the results of my experiments, writing up my studies, reading about other people’s studies, going to conferences in exotic locations, supervising students and fielding lots of e-mails.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I’d buy a microscope with a camera that I’d take to schools to show students the various bacteria that live in and around us.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Enthusiastic, organised, always laughing.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I mostly got in touble for talking. I had to conjugate the verb “apercevoir” ten times in six tenses as punishment for laughing in French once.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
It changes all the time! At the moment it’s SBTRKT, Lana Del Rey and Depeche Mode.
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1- That me and my loved ones stay happy and healthy (is that more than one?). 2 – That I get awarded a fellowship this year. 3 – That I win IAS!
Tell us a joke.
Oh no! I’m really bad with jokes – they go in one ear and out the other. Sorry…
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