Profile

Photo:

Rachel Allen

My CV

  • Qualifications:

    BSc Microbiology

  • Research/Work History:

    4th year project in the Pathogenic Mechanisms Group at NUI Galway

  • Current Job:

    Postgraduate researcher in bacterial stress response

  • Type of scientist:

    Microbiologist

  • Degree(s) and where you obtained them:

    Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) in NUI Galway

  • Qualifications:

    BSc Microbiology

  • Research/Work History:

    4th year project in the Pathogenic Mechanisms Group at NUI Galway

  • Current Job:

    Postgraduate researcher in bacterial stress response

  • Employer/Lab group:

    The Bacterial Stress Response Group directed by Prof Conor O’ Byrne. My research is funded by the Hardiman Scholarship

  • CE team:

    NUI Galway

  • Volunteering since…

    2016

  • Favourite thing about being a Cell EXPLORER volunteer:

    Meeting new people

  • My best tip for extracting DNA:

    Take time to (carefully) mash the banana

    • About Me

      I’m a research scientist because I really want to find out a way to help people who are sick. But when I'm not in the lab I like reading, watching TikTok videos, online shopping and hanging out with my friends.

    • Read more

      I grew up in Clare and was a bit of a messer in school. I moved to Galway in 2016 to study science, I wasn’t sure at first but I grew to love it. I like to go to concerts and travel to different countries and learn about different cultures. I love animals and one of my favourite hobbies is going to the beach in the summer and watching for dolphins, sharks and whales. My favourite TV show is Brooklyn 99 and my favourite colour is blue.

    • My Typical Day

      Wake, eat, read, experiment, repeat.

    • Read more

      I’m only starting my PhD so I need to do lots of reading first. Scientists from all over the world will publish papers which tell other scientists about things they’ve found out during their research. I’m going to be reading these papers so I know what other scientists think about E.coli. I’m then going to start coming up with different experiments to try and answer my question. Typically I wake up at 7.30 and have breakfast and coffee, I’ll then start packing my bag and get ready to leave the house. On any day I could be reading, doing experiments, meeting friends for a chat or listening to music while I write notes. After college I’ll make myself dinner and either relax by watching some TV or playing some games or music. If I want to do something I’ll go to the cinema, swim at the beach, go for a run or if I’m really bored I’ll clean my room!

    • Quickfire Q/A questions

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Joker, Hardworking, Friendly

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        I didn’t know what I wanted to be until I was in 6th year!

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        I was always in trouble at school because I was busy making jokes instead of doing schoolwork or I had ‘forgotten’ my homework

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Arctic Monkeys

        What's your favourite food?

        A burrito bowl from Tolteca

        What is the most fun thing you've done?

        Skydiving & travelling with my friends in Asia for six weeks

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        To finish my PhD, a puppy or a kitten and get to go on holidays at least once a month

        Tell us a joke.

        I made a chemistry joke, there was no reaction.

Questions answered by Rachel

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