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The CMMID Team
About Me:
We are researchers from the Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases (CMMID) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Sophie Meakin: Hi, I’m Sophie! I live in London with my cat, Alfie, and I like hiking, swimming outdoors, and scuba diving.
Mark Jit: Mark, lives in London, works at LSHTM.
Yang Liu: Hello I’m Yang (she/ her)! I am Chinese, a theatre buff, and an avid reader. I enjoy traveling (haven’t been much due to the pandemic), cooking, hiking, yoga, playing the piano, jigsaw puzzles, and board games with friends.
Julián Villabona-Arenas: I am Colombian, a cat dad, a traveler and a gamer. I enjoy sitting in my garden, taking a good stroll and playing board games with my friends.
Latest Question:
What’s your best achievement? You’re all very inspiring! -
Xin Ge
About Me:
Hi I’m Xin and now this is just my second year in the UK (I’m originally from China). I’m a researcher but also a great fan of cooking and an instrument player (a traditional Chinese one called Erhu). I love cats a lot. Well, not only cats, just anything fluffy!
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Viyaasan Mahalingasivam
About Me:
I am a kidney doctor based in London and I have recently started a PhD in epidemiology.
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Victoria Cox
About Me:
I’m a PhD student studying infectious diseases who loves all things nerdy.
Latest Question:
what inspired you to study infectious diseases? -
Valerie Vancollie
About Me:
I’m a Belgian researcher currently living in Cambridge and working on Covid genomic surveillance. Outside of work I love reading, writing, crafts, music and travelling (when there’s not a global pandemic going on!).
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Tom Knight
About Me:
I live in London, where I am doing a PhD in SARS-CoV antiviral drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, exploring all the food in London, and walking my dogs.
Latest Question:
What is your dream job? -
Sofiya Fedosyuk
About Me:
I live currently with my family in Oxford, previously I spend 7 years living and doing research in Austria. I love singing, hiking, traveling, and observing nature, also I’m a keen skier. Recently, I enjoyed watching Downton Abbey and Don’t Look Up.
Latest Question:
Are you ready for the Pandemic Prevention zone? -
Simona Skripkauskaite
About Me:
I’m a Postdoctoral Researcher working at University of Oxford.
Originally from Lithuania, but lived in six different countries so far.
Well geeky. Love to paint.Latest Question:
who inspired you to do what you are doing -
Shona Moore
About Me:
Immunologist and adventurer.
I love being in the lab running experiments or outdoors having an adventure! My other love is food – any excuse to exercise outdoors and then demolish loads of tasty food afterwards!
Latest Question:
How do pcr tests work? -
Sean Elias
About Me:
I have lived in Oxford since I came for Univeristy in 2005. I am a keen sportsman (football, cricket, triathlon), board games enthusiast and a massive Star Wars fan.
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Sareen Galbraith
About Me:
I am a Christian from Ireland who lives in Leeds.
I have a pet bird (cockatiel) called Samba.
I research viruses and teach students about infectious diseasesLatest Question:
When you was a kid what did you want to be? -
Samuel Ellis
About Me:
I am from Norfolk originally, but now I live in North London with my girlfriend (and our hamster). When I am not in the lab I enjoy history and relaxing on my Xbox, and most weekends I get muddy playing for a local amateur football club.
Status: Happy New Year
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Rihab gam
About Me:
I am a Rutherford Postdoctoral Fellow, trilingual and always learning a new language in my spare time. Loves cooking, dogs, cycling and reading.
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Rebekah Penrice-Randal
About Me:
I am a honourary scouser studying viruses and how people respond to them! Self taught coder and aspiring bioinformatician 👩🏻💻. In my spare time I like to go running 🏃🏻♀️ and watch live music 🎸! Proud to be a woman in STEM 👩🏻🔬🏳️🌈.
Latest Question:
what is a honourary scouser and what do they do? -
Prabs Dehal
About Me:
I live with my husband and teenage kids in Dundee. I’ve worked as a researcher in universities and industry. I love sci fi.
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Pam Vallely
About Me:
I live in Stockport which is just south of Manchester with my husband and 3 teenage children and my two dogs called Teddy and William. I also have a grown up son who lives in London. I work as a Professor of Medical Virology at the University of Manchester and when I’m not working I enjoy taking my dogs for a walk in the countryside.
Latest Question:
How and does corona virus mutate? -
Natsuko Imai
About Me:
Infectious disease epidemiologist. Born in Japan – grew up in the UK. I love to cook and will happily eat (Japanese) rice with every meal.
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Mukta Deobagkar
About Me:
Hi! I am Mukta. I live with my partner in Oxford and am a researcher at the university. I am originally from India but have lived and worked in the UK for many years. In addition to my work as a scientist, I enjoy food, travel, books, gardening and bird-watching.
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Mercede Lee
About Me:
One of my favourite things to do is to take long walks in nature. I find this relaxing after a busy week at work. I also love boxing, solving puzzles and creating things.
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Melanie Krause
About Me:
I am a scientist at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (or short EMBL). I am currently using CrispR gene editing to develop new tools to study infection by making proteins shine green. Outside of work (and when we are not in isolation) I love to travel and good out for a drink with my friends!
Latest Question:
What obstacles have you had to face in your science career? -
Luke Hillary
About Me:
I’m a viral ecologist, which mainly involves digging up soil from different parts of a farm and figuring out which viruses are there and why. When I’m not in work or in lockdown, you can find me walking around the countryside of north Wales.
Latest Question:
Are you ready for the Pandemic Prevention zone? -
Lucy Garner
About Me:
I live and work in Oxford as an immunologist. Outside of work, I enjoy running, baking and travelling. I am also a bit of a chocoholic!
Latest Question:
When you was a kid what did you want to be? -
Laura Durrant
About Me:
I’m a technical scientist who works in DNA sequencing! 👩🔬🧬 In my spare time I like to swim, paint, play the guitar and hang out with my friends 🏊🏼♀️🎸
Latest Question:
have you wanted to be a scientist since you were a child -
Jonny Coates
About Me:
I live in London where I work as a researcher. I also host a science podcast and manage a community of scientists. Outside of work I climb, play guitar, ride motorcycles and do other adrenaline-fuelled activities.Latest Question:
Who was your biggest supporter? -
John Tulloch
About Me:
I love cycling , going to gigs , watching cricket , and eating lots of new food!
Latest Question:
whats your favorite aspect of your job? -
Jenny Hill
About Me:
I am a big fan of being outdoors and when I’m not at work I might be climbing, cycling or paddling down the river with my sister in her canoe.
Latest Question:
How long (on average) does it take to develop a vaccine? -
Jennifer Roe
About Me:
I have a girlfriend and live near to Cambridge. I enjoy walking in the countryside, movies and chocolate! I often go swimming and have many guinea pigs at home.I work as someone who looks after mice kept for medical research.
Latest Question:
how many guinea pigs do you look after? -
James Harris
About Me:
Virology Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, working to understand how viruses replicate in our body. Outside of science, you’ll find me playing the trombone or potting some balls at the local snooker club.
Latest Question:
Do you think we are the only human form in the universe -
Holly Kerr
About Me:
I am from Glasgow but I now live with my boyfriend Blair closer to Edinburgh. I love going to music gigs and festivals, camping and hillwalking. I have recently become a dog Mum to a Cocker Spaniel called Jura.
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Eddie Cano Gamez
About Me:
My name is Eddie Cano Gamez. I was born in a small town near Mexico City in Mexico. Nowadays, I live with my partner in Oxford and work as a researcher. I love music and enjoy playing the guitar and singing. I also love reading and cooking. My favourite book is Rebecca and my favourite dish is tacos.
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Donna MacCallum
About Me:
Many faces/roles…
Mum/wife/farmer/researcher/teacher/administrator… all in one day!Status: Sad that the Summer Zone finishes on Friday... but great that we'll still be able to chat throughout the summer holidays!
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Delma Childers
About Me:
I grew up with my eyes on the stars – both by watching Star Wars and planning how to become an astronaut. I am now a scientist and I have a garden trying to take over my living room and flour scattered all over the corners of my kitchen from when I’m baking.
Latest Question:
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David Burnett
About Me:
I live in Dundee with my partner and cat. I’m a PhD student researcher who’s just about finishing up 9 years of university! I love plants, video games and coffee.
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Dapeng Wang
About Me:
I have been living in a few places in the UK and I love travelling around the world.
I am a bioinformatics researcher and I am big fan of classical music and movies.
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Danielle Nader
About Me:
I am from the USA. I am a microbiologist, so I study infection and how to stop it! My favorite snack is Terry’s chocolate orange 🍫
Latest Question:
How are there different variations of covid -
Christopher Richardson
About Me:
Hi I’m Chris, I’m from Manchester but now live in Preston with my girlfriend and two cats who both act more like dogs! Day to day I am a Research and Development (R&D) scientist for a global biotechnology company finding ways to detect, grow and kill or destroy bacteria/viruses! I studied Biology at university and then went on to study Medical Microbiology at the university of Manchester (where I was actually taught by another expert in this group, Prof Pam Vallely!). In my spare time I love the gym, hiking, hockey and acting!
Latest Question:
How do you kill viruses? -
Chris Budd
About Me:
Hi
I’m Chris Budd OBE. I live in Bath with my wife, dogs Monty and Josh, and hamster Arwen. Sometimes my children Jeremy and Bryony drop in as well. During the day I work at the University of Bath as a Professor of Maths, or at the Met Office, or in Cambridge, or in many other places. I am also very involved in youth work and many evenings I can be found either running a youth club (crazy games are my speciality), or telling young people why maths and science are fun. For relaxation my wife and I love taking our dogs for long walks in the countryside around Bath, and when we can, in the mountains. I also like making models of various things. I’m very partial to a nice malt whisky, but perhaps I shouldn’t say that on air.
Latest Question:
Hi Chris, what work do you do with the Met Office? -
Chloe Jones
About Me:
I live in St. Andrews, Scotland and work as a virus researcher in a biology lab. Outside of work I play the clarinet and saxophone and when the weather is good (not very often in Scotland!) I love to go for a walk/ run on one of the three beaches we have here (even better when my dog is visiting)!
Latest Question:
how do viruses get there name -
Carys Redman-White
About Me:
I live in Durham with my cat, Eric, who keeps me company when I’m working from home. I’m working on my PhD but I still get to spend some time being a vet who treats mostly cats! In my spare time I like hiking, camping and art/crafts.
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Bryan Bzdek
About Me:
I am a scientist and pianist living in Bristol.
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Bhagteshwar Singh
About Me:
I’m a doctor and scientist working on brain infections and COVID-19. I’ve been living in India for the last 2 years. I like food, badminton, walking up hills, and watching stuff online.
Status: My first chat with a school today!
Latest Question:
Do you feel your work-life balance is good? -
Ann Ager
About Me:
I live in the Vale of Glamorgan (in Wales) with my husband in a small village with the very welsh name of Ystradowen (it means Owen’s valley). I like playing tennis and I am trying to learn the piano but it is very hard.
Latest Question:
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Andy Shrimpton
About Me:
I live in Bristol with my wife and two small boys. I am a qualified doctor and training to be an anaesthetist.
I love cycling and crisps.
Latest Question:
Do you ever find your work boring? -
Amy Mason
About Me:
Disabled female statistician with silly hair. I love LARP, art and chocolate.
I live and work in Cambridge. I use DNA information and statistics ideas.
I try to spot who might have heart attacks or strokes. I also try to work out why that might happen.
Latest Question:
Why do you feel I’ll after the vacation? -
Toby Bonvoisin
About Me:
I am a PhD student at the University of Oxford. I studied medicine at Sheffield, worked as a junior doctor for two years in Hull, and am now doing research full time. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, wild swimming, and road trips!
Latest Question:
Why do vaccines clot your blood -
Nidhi Dey
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Jonathan Reid
About Me:
I live with my wife in Bristol and enjoy walking, gardening and music.
Latest Question:
No questions to show
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Insani Hubi Zulfa
Latest Question:
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Dave Gerrard
Latest Question:
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Bilal Ahsan
About Me:
I am a PhD scientist and help other scientists in their discoveries. How I do that? Well, I use a two-story-tall electron microscope and help them looking at tiny machines in action inside the human body with the most accurate detail.
Latest Question:
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