Profile

Photo:

Ross Low

My CV

  • Education:

    S. Peters Collegiate School, Wolverhampton
    University of Bath
    University of Liverpool

  • Qualifications:

    S. Peters School: 13 GCSE’s, 1 AS level and 3 A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology
    University of Bath: Biochemistry BSc with placement
    University of Liverpool: PhD in evolutionary parasitology

  • Work History:

    Waiter at Café Rouge, Wolverhampton
    Tour guide at Bath Abbey
    Research assistant at University of Illinois, Chicago

  • Current Job:

    Postdoctoral research scientist

    • About Me:

      I am a genome biologist studying how parasites cause disease. Also a massive nerd and Jiu Jitsu instructor.

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      I live and work in Norwich with my girlfriend, who is also a scientist, and our 2 cats.  

      When I’m not doing science, I’m usually playing video games or throwing my friends around on a Jiu Jitsu mat.

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      I am an evolutionary biologist at the Earlham Institute. I investigate the genes and genomes of parasites in order to find out how they have evolved to cause disease and, hopefully, find ways to fight them.

      Genome assembly is a bit like taking a big book and shredding it until you only have pieces of about 10 letters. Then, part of my job is to try and put it back together so we can read it. Once I have a some genomes I can then compare them to see which ones are differences and what those differences mean, a bit like comparing Marvel and DC, they’re both about superheroes but in different worlds.

      Because genomes are a bit bigger than books, I use a supercomputer to study the genomes. This means I know how to code and use bioinformatics (Thats a fancy word for computer-based experiments).

    • My Typical Day:

      I normally spend all day sitting at my computer (It was that way even before the pandemic) running tests and coding. I often get to jump between different projects which keeps things exciting. After work I’ll either head home to relax or do something active, like Jiu Jitsu.

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      Each day can be very different, even though I’m working on my computer. Sometimes I’m working on genome assembly, other times I’m analysing lots of different genomes together. Often I have to think on my feet and find creative solutions to problems I wasn’t expecting.

      There are days when I can spend the whole day on one problem, and other days when I’m jumping between projects or discussing my work with other scientists.

       

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I’d help to provide equipment and activities for schools taking part in our barcoding the broads project which is all about discovering what microscopic organisms are living on our doorstep.

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        bearded mutant scientist

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        No clue

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Not really

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Coldplay

        What's your favourite food?

        Gotta be Pizza

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

        Mind reading powers, a Nobel prize and to be in a movie

        Tell us a joke.

        How many evolutionists does it take to change a lightbulb? Only one but it will take a million years.

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