Anna has always been captivated by the natural world and relishes every chance to learn more. To her, science had always seemed to be a form of magic key that, with the help of a little work and an inquiring mind, can unlock the secrets of the universe.
Anna studied a Natural Sciences BSc with the Open University, this allowed her the opportunity to sample a wide range of subjects before deciding which aspects of science interested her most. Anna received a degree with a biology classification but found she had taken just as many chemistry modules, it was the border between these two subjects, the chemical reactions within a cell, that fascinated her most.
This lead to an MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Sheffield University where the cellular world could be fully explored, from cells as bio-factories to extremophilic cells, she loved it all.
For her project, she experimented using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to genetically edit prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. During the communication of this project, when she earned a personal letter of commendation for her presentation and a prize for her poster, it ignited an appreciation and enjoyment for science communication.
Although Anna has a wide breadth of knowledge that she relishes adding to, her specialism lies with cells and molecular interactions. With knowledge of biotechnology, single-celled organisms, and cellular metabolism including DNA and RNA she is excited to communicate just how intricate and fascinating these areas of science are.
Always keen to challenge and stretch herself, Anna is proud of her extensive volunteering including reviewing applications for research funding for Action for M.E., outreach and welfare secretary for a scuba diving club, and a student representative on the staff and teaching panel for Sheffield University. Outside of writing Anna enjoys, scuba diving, horse riding, and walking the hills.