Becoming a Scientist

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge feature in a new graphic book highlighting their individual journeys into the career of their dreams. 'Becoming a Scientist' is intended to show how anyone has the potential to succeed even if they have a relatively unconventional background.

The idea came from a team building day when each member was asked to describe their journeys into science. They soon realised they'd all come from different places and different backgrounds but were now in the same place doing what they loved - researching ways to improve people's health and wellbeing. The team, which studies the pathologies of the immune system, is led by Professor Adrian Liston.

The Liston-Dooley group in the lab

The Liston-Dooley group in the lab

“It was really luck more than anything else that allowed me to fall into the career I have today. When I looked around the amazing people in my lab, I realised that everyone had a story about overcoming barriers to enter science," said Professor Liston.

"While everyone's story is unique, what they have in common is inspiring – there are so many different pathways to success in science. I wrote this book to share these outstanding role-models with high school students, so they can find a story that resonates with them, and use that inspiration to go into STEM subjects.”

Magda Ali

Among those featured is Magda Ali, whose parents came to the UK as Somali refugees. She attended a school where few students stayed on to complete their A-levels let alone progress into higher education but she always aspired to do well and pursue a career in science.

Magda is now completing her PhD in Cambridge.

James Dooley

Also featured is James who grew up in the care system and did a variety of jobs before becoming interested in science. His passion for biomedical research was stimulated while working in the healthcare sector.

Alvaro Hernandez

By his own admission Alvaro Hernandez, who is originally from Peru, shouldn't really be at the cutting edge of scientific research having been more preoccupied with football in his younger years.

Alvaro is a visiting student researcher who is completing his undergraduate degree course at Imperial College London.

The book has been illustrated by Yulia Lapko who works as a business administrator at the Department. Yulia arrived in the UK in April 2022 from her native Kyiv following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She started work on the book in late 2023 putting in a few hours a week of her own time over several months.

"I love character work! I think it comes naturally to me because one of my favourite parts of my daily job is to see many different people every day, to observe them, to notice something interesting about everyone," said Yulia.

"It is fun and makes me feel like I'm living in a sitcom as everyone has something unique in them and everyone carries their own story. But of course there is only so much I can observe. Communication is the next step. My own observations, combined with the stories these people shared, is what really brought the work to life."

'Becoming a Scientist' is Professor Liston’s first publication for a young adult audience.

“I am privileged to go to work every day with such a talented group of people and it has been an honour to tell the different stories that brought us all together in Cambridge," he said. "I hope these diverse experiences connect with and inspire the next generation of scientists.”

Magda, Ntombizodwa and Amy pose for the photo that ended up being used by Yulia for the book's front cover

Copies of the book can be obtained here.

The e-book can be downloaded from here.

Anyone wanting to help the team with their outreach activities can donate here.

Published 29th August 2024

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.