Celebrating Durham chemist’s place on prestigious development programme

Q. Congratulations on being awarded a place on the Academy of Medical Science’s SUSTAIN programme. Tell us about SUSTAIN and what it will involve.

A. SUSTAIN is a brilliant programme for women who are looking to improve their leadership credentials as well as a networking opportunity with like-minded supportive women at similar career stages. It is a brilliant opportunity to pick up some vital skills while networking with fellow scientists.

I was afforded the opportunity to apply through the Royal Society. The application process involved telling the Academy why I would like to join the scheme and why it is important to me.

SUSTAIN is a year-long programme that involves a number of workshops ranging from leadership and coaching to media training. It also includes the potential to be mentored by one of the Academy members.

Q. What does it mean for you to be part of the SUSTAIN programme?

A. This is a brilliant opportunity to not only further develop my professional skills but most of all to have the opportunity to share experiences with fellow women at the same career stages.

It is also a very exciting opportunity to be able to develop my leadership credentials.

SUSTAIN is a very holistic programme looking not only at our professional development, but also personal growth and balancing work and personal life.

Q. Tell us about your research focus and career to date.

A. My expertise lies in light emitting molecules and more specifically design and synthesis of organic light emitting molecules that can act as reporters on specific conditions in living cells. We utilise state-of-the-art Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopes and spectrometers in order to study these molecules. This work is done with an ambition of applying such molecules in medical setting and specifically for measuring the amount of oxygen in living cells. I am also interested in studying the fundamental processes governing the light emitting properties of such molecules. Understanding these properties is essential for many applications including solar cells and OLEDs.

Find out more:

• Read more about the Royal Academy of Medical Sciences SUSTAIN programme
• Discovery more about the work of Dr Patrycja Brook

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