Profile
Leona Mc Girr
My CV
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Education:
Mount Lourdes Grammar School and Queen’s University
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Qualifications:
Degree in Chemistry with Forensic Analysis and PhD in Physical Chemistry
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Work History:
Almac- Pharmaceutical Company
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Current Job:
Research Fellow in The Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology
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Read more
I have just finished a PhD in physical chemistry and I am currently working as a research fellow in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology. So you are probably wondering how I ended up doing this? Well, to be honest, I was terrible at English in school and so I chose to study chemistry, maths, biology and physics at A-Level. I completely fell in love with Chemistry and actually looked forward to doing my chemistry homework! When it came to deciding what I wanted to study in university, I really struggled. My careers teacher had advised me to do medicine, dentistry or pharmacy because of my subjects, but I wasn’t passionate enough about any of them careers and I didn’t want to limit myself to one job/area. So, I decided to do what I enjoyed the most . . Chemistry. I did a 3 year degree in Chemistry with Forensic Analysis at Queen’s University and a placement year in a pharmaceutical company. In the final year of my degree, I had to complete a forensic project with the Forensic Service Northern Ireland (FSNI). I really enjoyed the research and wanted to do more, therefore I applied for a PhD in physical chemistry and the rest is history!
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My Typical Day
Go into my office (which i share with other post graduate students), check my emails, look up the latest journals in my research area and carry out experiments in the lab.
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What I'd do with the prize money
Ohh I have a few ideas; organise a science event for secondary students to get hands on experience with science equipment. Or id donate the money to W5 in the Odyssey arena which is a non profit science organisation that make science and learning fun! But im also open to suggestions from the pupils . . . .
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Enthusiastic, curious and hard-working
What did you want to be after you left school?
I never really knew- so I just did what I enjoyed the most and that was Chemistry!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Ssssh . . . of course!
What's your favourite food?
Nandos
What is the most fun thing you've done?
Bungee jump
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Win a Nobel prize in chemistry (obviously), win the lotto and of course . . . 3 more wishes!
Tell us a joke.
Two atoms were walking down the street when one of them said, “I think I lost an electron!” “Really?” the other replied, “Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m positive.”
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