Profile

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Katie Williams

My CV

  • Education:

    I did my A-levels and GCSEs at Backwell School, in North Somerset (near Bristol). I took Maths, Further Maths and Biology for my A-levels, and I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do as a career, but I knew maths was a good degree and one that would give me lots of options – so I studied Mathematics at the University of Exeter.

    While studying at Exeter, I realised I need to think about what I actually wanted to do with my career. I found medicine and the human body really interesting so I started looking for careers where I could combine the two! That lead me to my current job, where I am also studying a part-time masters in Bioinformatics.

  • Qualifications:

    13 x GCSEs

    A-levels in Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*) and Biology (A)

    MSci Mathematical Biology (1:1) at University of Exeter

    MSc Clinical Bioinformatics (currently studying remotely) at University of Manchester

  • Work History:

    Alongside my studies I have been a Waitress, Online tutor, Receptionist and a Shop assistant.

    I undertook paid research internships in my summers at University.

    The job I am in now is the one I got after leaving University. It’s a three year training scheme (called the STP) in the NHS, and I’m in my 3rd and final year now.

  • Current Job:

    Trainee Clinical Bioinformatician (Genomics)

  • Employer:

    Oxford University Hospitals

    • About Me:

      I live and work in Oxford, where I am training to be a Clinical Scientist in the Genetics Lab in an NHS hospital. I spend my spare time climbing and hanging upside down in aerial silks (think circus-style)!

    • Read more

      I moved to Oxford a couple of years ago for the job, and I love the city! I played clarinet throughout school and University, but I wanted to pick up some new hobbies after moving to Oxford. Climbing is definitely my favourite hobby, and I love going to different climbing centres in London and nearby on weekends with my friends.

      Being on the STP (Scientist Training Programme) is a lot of work juggling a full-time job, masters degree and training portfolio, but I enforce a good work-life balance and try not to work outside of my 9-5 job as much as possible.

    • My pronouns are:

      she/her

    • My Work:

      I’m currently training at the genetics labs in the NHS, where I do data analysis and data management of patient DNA.

    • Read more

      My official job title I’m training towards is to be a ‘Clinical Bioinformatician in Genomics’, but that often leaves people a little lost… essentially, I am responsible for the data management of DNA within the genetics laboratories in an NHS hospital.

      The work I do involves lots of coding and programming, but the types of projects I get involved in vary. I have to understand lots of different software and special genetics data tools

    • My Typical Day:

      I cycle to the hospital for 9am, and start the day with admin/emails. I normally will spend most of my day doing coding and development work for a project, alongside some write up for my training evidence. I have lunch with friends, and breaks for coffee club! I work until 5pm before cycling home.

    • Read more

      The projects I get involved in vary a lot. Currently I’m doing a lot of web development to build a new website that will better display and store some of the data we have the lab.

      As I’m on a training scheme, then I also have to do a lot of assessments and provide evidence for my skills, as well as do my university work. These write ups/essays can take a bit of time, and so I have to manage my time well to get this done alongside my work.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I’d love to spend the money on getting some awesome interactive coding equipment (Raspberry Pi) for local schools/coding clubs in Oxford. This technology is super fun (from personal experience) and accessible, and would allow them to code to create games, music, and websites! I hope this would allow more young people to engage with coding and consider it as a future career.

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        DNA and climbing enthusiast

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Didn't have a clue!

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Nope, definitely a teacher's pet.

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        I think maybe more patient-facing work, so perhaps a Genomic Counsellor

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Nina Nesbitt, Griff and Anne Marie are some of my current favourites.

        What's your favourite food?

        Nothing beats a good fish and chips

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        More holiday, more money, and more wishes of course.

        Tell us a joke.

        Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.

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