Profile
Richard Clayton
My CV
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Education:
After GCSEs and A levels (Bio/Chem/Phys), I went to University to study Biomedical Science.
After that, I did my PhD (on nerves and skin stem cells), which I finished in 2019.
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Qualifications:
GCSEs;
A levels (Chemistry, Biology, Physics);Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Biomedical Science;
Master of Science (MSc) – Molecular and Cellular Basis of Human Disease;Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Biology
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Work History:
I have had jobs in a few different shops and cafes, so I know how to make a cappuccino! At University, I got paid to teach younger students practical lab skills. Before I started my PhD, I moved to Germany for a while to work in a dermatology lab. I also travelled a lot during my PhD, and did projects in Italy, Germany, Singapore and the UK. Now, I get paid to think, write, and do experiments in London!
In terms of my science, I have done research on cancer, skin (including acne), and the nervous system. At the moment, I am researching how a certain type of brain cell works to make our bodies function properly.
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Current Job:
I am a research scientist working in London. I use microscopes, mice and genetics to figure out what different cells in the brain are doing, and how they may go wrong in different diseases.
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About Me:
I look at stem cells (cells that make other cells) which reside in our brains, and how they might be regulating our hormones. This could be important for different diseases, especially for something called ‘hypopituitarism’.
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My Typical Day:
The best days usually involve using the microscope into the evening, taking beautiful pictures, listening to music, and coming up with new ideas and experiments.
However, my days can be very varied. Sometimes I get to work very early to get a head start if I have big experiments planned. I might have to get changed to enter the animal facility and look after my mice. Other days, I may just be reading through the work of other people and writing my own scientific reports.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Likes answering questions.
What did you want to be after you left school?
I wasn't sure. I knew I wanted to do something interesting, where I could get paid to learn, and potentially make a difference in some way.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Sure. Usually for being late.
What's your favourite food?
Peanut butter.
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1) Require less sleep. 2) Live forever. 3) Learn another language.
Tell us a joke.
I heard a great joke about amnesia but I forgot it.
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