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Chair

Iratxe Puebla

What is your current profession/background?

I work for the non-profit organization ASAPbio, where we promote a productive use of preprints in the life sciences. I very much enjoy working with members of the community to try and change life sciences communication for the better, by making it faster, more transparent and more inclusive. Before ASAPbio I worked as an editor, most recently at the open access publisher PLOS, where I oversaw the day-to-day editorial operations of the journal PLOS ONE and I was involved in the editorial and review process for research manuscripts.

I am also involved with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), an organization which promotes best practice and education around publication ethics and develops resources for journal editors and publishers.

What point in your life led you to pursue a career in STEMM?

Science was always one of my favourite subjects at school. In my last year at high school I had a great biology teacher and I considered doing a degree in biology, but trying to balance passion and potential career options and, in the end, I pursued a degree in Chemistry with biochemistry from the University of the Basque Country.

What is one of your biggest aspirations?

I have observed the strength and benefit that working with communities can bring, and I hope I can contribute to community building both in professional areas and at the local level here in Cambridge, and also beyond. I am passionate about open research and also have a strong interest in diversity and inclusion and I actively look to contribute to initiatives that drive those forward.

What advice would you give to aspiring female scientists and engineers?

“Be your own advocate and do not be shy to put yourself out there, try new things.”

Looking back at my time at the lab, I appreciated the autonomy that working on individual experiments allowed, but it could also feel slightly isolating at times and I think I would have found it useful to have a broader perspective on professional paths within research and beyond. So another tip I’d give is to find a mentor, someone who can provide that broader perspective and act as a sounding board for issues or opportunities that arise.

How have you benefited from being a part of CamAWiSE?

I joined CamAWiSE three years ago and it has been a great experience so far. It has given me a chance to meet a diverse group of inspiring women both in Cambridge and internationally through our online events. Attending the CamAWiSE workshops has also allowed me to continually nurture my professional development, the events have helped me to explore time management skills, approaches to negotiation and to build a social media presence, and to boost my confidence.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Visit friends and family, and where there is time, also travel to explore new places I have not been to yet.

Ask me about…

The Basque Country (where I am from) and the Basque language, did you know it is the oldest living language in Europe?

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Iratxe Puebla
Chair

Stephanie Höhn

I am currently a Research Associate in the Biological Physics and Mechanics Group at the Cambridge Maths Faculty. After obtaining a PhD in Biology at the University of Bielefeld (Germany) I took a step out of my field to study the physical parameters that influence biological processes like tissue development. I am combining experiments and mathematical modelling to explore how tissues like our retina obtain their correct three-dimensional shape. Understanding these processes from an engineering point of view will in the long run hopefully help to find remedies for associated birth defects. I came into STEMM via some detours. Before studying biology I worked as a legal clerk at justice courts. At the age of 25 I decided to leave the security of my permanent job, go back to school to achieve my A-Levels (Abitur) to enable me to study molecular cell biology. In all different environments outside and within academia I encountered gender-stereotypes and other challenges for women and other marginalised groups. I believe that everyone can contribute in their own way to challenge these obstacles and create a positive work and personal environment for us all. I am an active member of the Maths Equality and Diversity Committee and the local LGBT+ group. In my free time I am a dancer and a twitcher.
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Kalai Jayaseelan

I was a former Bioinformatician at the EMBL-EBI, an inter-governmental European Research Organisation. I was also a Trusted Advisor at the EMBL’s Ombud’s office, helping staff to help themselves during crisis and conflict. While at EMBL, I Co-founded Sukhaatma, an initiative to provide personalised Alternative Mind-Body Medicine Consultations. Currently, I am full-time on my effort where I regularly offer Emotional Intelligence, Personal effectiveness and Leadership training for Scientific, Academic and Health organisations and transformational coaching services for individuals.
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Isabel Tingay

I hold a PhD in Chemistry and currently work at an International Chemicals company, developing after-treatment solutions for the automotive industry. I apply my knowledge and skills to the creation of next generation catalysts. I started in research and followed this with a move to development. This involves working with customers to understand their requirements, turning these into development projects.
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Rebecca Woodrow

I am currently a PhD student at the University of Cambridge in Clinical Neurosciences. My research looks at different types of brain imaging to better understand the consequences of traumatic brain injury- from concussion to coma. My background has been in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Medical Imaging, and I am now moving towards data science and machine learning approaches to healthcare and precision medicine.
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View Other Steering Committee Members

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