What was your first job after graduation?  

I worked in the pharmaceutical industry in quality control and clinical trials straight out of University, before moving to the UK to take a PhD at the University of Nottingham. After that, I took a postdoc at Keele University and the University of Manchester.

What is your current role at Manchester Met? 

I am now the Programme Leader on our four year integrated masters course, MBioMedSci (Hons) Biomedical Science. I work closely with colleagues to deliver a high quality, research-oriented course. My teaching is informed by my research, which includes national and international collaborations. 

I am also the International Lead for the Department of Life Sciences. In this role, I work with the University’s International Office to support international students before during us and throughout their studies, both in terms of academic and pastoral support. I am very proud to be part of a Department that works closely with the NHS to make sure that our graduates have the skills they need to work in clinical and laboratory settings.

I really enjoy teaching, which isn’t surprising as I come from a family of teachers. I love to see the look in my students’ eyes when the penny drops. I’m passionate about research, contributing to the bigger picture and training students as well as helping students, especially first generation and international students. I know how out of place you can feel in new environments. 

How did your degree help to prepare you for your current role? 

I graduated from a Biotechnology degree, which was taught by academics and industry professionals. This helped me to develop communication skills to work in different fields.  

Completing my PhD in the UK helped me to continue to develop my “research brain” and improved my resilience, communication skills and multicultural awareness, which is essential in my role as an International Lead. 

I signed up for every optional activity at University and found other training on my own, so gained many valuable skills. Never stop improving your CV by taking the opportunities available to you.

What are your greatest achievements so far? 

Career-wise, I have been successful at securing more than £500k for my research ideas, and of course securing an academic job.  

Being part of the Biomedical Sciences panel for the Newton Funds (British Council grants) is definitely one of my highlights, as well as being on the committee of the Tissue and Cell Engineering Society and holding positions at an Italian and at a Mexican University. 

Right now, I think my greatest achievement is the “Amalia Solorzano be Cardenas Medal 2020”, awarded to alumni of Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Mexico) for outstanding contributions to science and education. 

What does diversity in Life Sciences mean to you? 

Diversity in Life Sciences is not only about having a team with individuals from different backgrounds, genders, religions and nationalities, but also about listening, respecting and considering everyone’s contribution equally.  

Diversity enriches life, accelerates progress and future-proofs processes and products not only in the Life Sciences industry, but across all sectors.  

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