Profile
Grace Roper
-
About Me:
I live with my husband in Newcastle at the moment, having moved up there with the lab during my PhD. I enjoy cooking, cycling, and crochet (I’m not very cool)!
-
Read more
I am originally from Essex, and moved to Oxford for my undergrad/postgrad degrees. I have recently moved up to Newcastle as my PhD supervisor moved universities during my PhD. I appreciate how much cheaper it is to live in the north!
I got into cycling at Oxford, and enjoy how quickly you can get around a city cycling compared to public transport/walking. I got into crochet during lockdown, when the labs closed!
-
My pronouns are:
she/her
-
My Work:
I am near the end of a PhD in Chemical Biology (a mix of Chemistry and Biology). I work on making multifunctional probes.
-
Read more
Multifunctional probes are molecules which have more than one application. One section of my multifunctional probes acts as a protein-binder, which works just like a small molecule drug (e.g. paracetamol) and binds to the protein target. Another section of my multifunctional probes provides a ‘read-out’, which allows me to assess/modulate the protein-binding section of the molecule.
-
My Typical Day:
I eat breakfast at home, and cycle in to the University for 8.30/9am. I’ll spend my day doing experiments, analysing the results of my experiments, or planning new experiments! I will always try to have a lunch break away from my desk though. I’ll head home some time around 5pm.
-
Read more
One of the things I love about chemical biology is that each work day is really variable for me. There are some weeks I spend purely in the chemistry lab, and some weeks I spend purely culturing cells. Currently I am doing a lot of cell experiments to test probes I made earlier in my PhD.
-
What I'd do with the prize money:
I’d like to make some resources for a new public engagement exhibit on different types of probes/drugs researchers are making in labs. I’d like to include some hands on mini-experiments.
-
Education:
I went to school in Essex, at a state school called Tendring Technology College (2006-2011).
I then went to the ‘The Sixth Form College, Colchester’ for my A levels (2011-2013).
I have studied my undergrad degree (2013-2017) and postgrad degree (2017-2023) at the University of Oxford.
-
Qualifications:
GCSEs: Triple Science, English, Maths, Geography, History, Graphics design and technology, German, IT
AS levels: Geography, Environmental Science
A levels: Chemistry, Biology, Maths. I also did an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), comparing the societal impact of different legal/illegal drugs.
Undergrad: MChem (combined masters) in Chemistry (University of Oxford)
Postgrad: I’ve nearly finished a PhD in Chemical Biology (University of Oxford, in collaboration with GSK, and including time as a visiting student at Newcastle University).
-
Work History:
I have had odd jobs, like working in a cafe and tutoring, but will get my first proper job after my PhD. My PhD has been funded by UKRI (the UK science funding boding), who have been paid me a stipend to live on, as well as my university fees.
-
Current Job:
I am currently a PhD student.
-
Employer:
University of Oxford
-
My Interview
-
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
makes probes multi-task
What did you want to be after you left school?
I wasn't sure, but I knew I wanted to study Chemistry as there are a lot of career options
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Occasionally, mostly for being late!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I'd also enjoy working with small children
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Sia
What's your favourite food?
Pizza
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Professionally I'd like to develop novel drugs to improve patients lives. Outside of work I'd love a trip around the world and to build a bar in my garden!
Tell us a joke.
NaBrO
-