Janet Stevens

Supporting research of medical significance

Janet Stevens (Botany, St Mary’s College, 1952-56) pledged a legacy gift to the University with the aim of leaving a meaningful impact on causes that she cared about.  Janet dedicated her career to Microbiology and public health, working at both Rothamsted Research and the Thames Water Authority.  Janet was passionate about the sciences, with a particular interest in medical science and public health. 

Janet’s passion remained undimmed when she visited the University’s Biosciences labs in 2012.  All who met her then remember her keen interest in their work and enthusiasm for its potential.  This is reflected in her legacy, which funds an annual postgraduate scholarship for lab-based microbiological research of medical or public health significance.  This gift allows talented scientists at the start of their careers to follow in Janet Stevens’ footsteps within this vital field, whilst also contributing towards research to find solutions for major health and medical challenges.

‘I feel honoured to have received this opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious Universities in the country and I adore the quaint setting of the city itself.  With this project, studying the antimicrobial properties of Histatins in the oral microbiome, I am granted the chance to study an aspect of microbiology in which I hold a great deal of passion and fascination.  The aim of my research is to further our understanding of how the oral microbial community is regulated by anti-microbial proteins found in the mouth. The ultimate goal of this research is to contribute to preventing diseases caused by microbial imbalances.

‘This fantastic opportunity provided to me has only been possible from the contribution of the Janet Stevens Legacy Scholarship, for which I am extremely thankful. Without this funding, it would have been impossible for me to fulfil my dream of doing a PhD, through which I desire to develop my future opportunities, and hope my research can contribute important knowledge to a vital but hereto unexplored area of academic research.’

Archie Howell, PhD Microbiology and Biosciences, and Janet Stevens Legacy Scholarship recipient