Profile
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Zoe Bell
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About Me:
I’m a PhD student who has a passion for swimming and is always booking their next travel adventure.
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I love travelling and I’m always looking for my next adventure. I often solo travel and have been all over the world. Last year I visited Austria, Spain, Bali & Switzerland. I’ve already had a trip to Spain this year and hope to travel through 7 countries in Central America in October when I complete my PhD.
I have a tradition where I to go to a New Country every year for New Years Eve – I’ve done this for the last 7 years!
If I’m not spending my spare time exploring new countries then you’ll usually find me near water. I love swimming & swimming coaching both in the pool and outdoors. The North Sea is my favourite outdoor swim spot – I even dip on Christmas Day!
I scuba dive when I can too but I usually do that in warmer waters on my travels.
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My pronouns are:
she/her
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My Work:
I’m a PhD student at Teesside University based at the National Horizons Centre in Darlington. I’m studying to be a Dr of Microbiology.
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My research interest is making new antibiotics from natural products. Antibiotics would be given to you by a doctor if you have a bacterial infection. Bacteria are very clever and can adapt to become immune to medicines. It is important to make new antibiotics so that there is always a medicine able to stop bacteria making you sick.
I also have a few part-time jobs at University:
- Special Lecturer – I teach laboratory classes to students on Masters & Bachelors science courses.
- Research Technician – I look after the labs and equipment in the National Horizons Centre helping the researchers with their work.
- Warden – I am on call overnight to students living in student accommodation to help them with first aid or to listen to any worries they may have while living away from home.
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Education:
I attended first & middle school in Ashington, Northumberland before going to Cramlington Learning Village, Northumberland for high school where I took my GCSE’s.
I then went to Newcastle College to complete my A-Levels.
After College I went to Huddersfield University, West Yorkshire. Here I did a Foundation Year and then went on to start a Masters in Pharmacy degree. After a couple of years studying I realised I preferred the science of making new medicines more than learning how to fill prescriptions and so I transferred onto a Masters in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
I’m currently studying for a PhD in Microbiology at Teesside University, based at the National Horizons Centre in Darlington. When I graduate, I will be Dr Zoë.
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Qualifications:
I have 11 GCSE’s in total: English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Business, Geography, Humanities, Applied French, Spanish.
I did an AS level in maths and A Levels in Chemistry, Biology & Geography. I also completed an Extended Project. You’ll be shocked at my A-Level results – I really didn’t do very well but that didn’t limit my opportunities, ask me!
I graduated University with a Masters in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
While studying at Teesside University, I have also passed a teaching qualification, an ‘AFHEA’ , which means I’m able to teach/ lecture other University students on Bachelor’s or Master’s Degrees.
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Work History:
I’ve had a lot of different jobs and even now work at more than one!
My first job at age 16, was as a lifeguard/swimming teacher. I did this for many years at different sports centres alongside my studies. I still teach/coach swimming now as part of a Lifeguard & Swimming Club.
I have 4 different job roles at the moment. Three of them are science based.
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Current Job:
PhD student / Special Lecturer / Research Technician
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Employer:
Teesside University
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Travelling Scientist Swimmer
What did you want to be after you left school?
Pharmacist
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Para-Swimming Coach
Who is your favourite singer or band?
I don't really have a favourite, I listen to all different types of music.
What's your favourite food?
Pasta - any kind!
Tell us a joke.
Why did the scientist take out their doorbell? ... Because they wanted to win the no-bell prize
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