Chrysi Sergaki, Molecular Biology “There is always more to learn – the sky is the limit!”
Published 8 March 2023
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Written by Chrysi Sergaki, Principal Scientist for the Microbiome Group
Coming to the UK for a PhD was something I could never have dreamt of, and it opened doors to a life I could never imagine not only professionally, but also as a person - above all, it made me believe in myself and that I can shoot for the stars and that the sky is the only limit.
I think this spirit is reflected in the admirable women in STEM leadership at the MHRA, I believe it’s so important we credit women that completely defy all the stereotypes and expectations. Another woman I have been inspired by is my science hero, Marie Curie - her perseverance, curiosity, and faith in herself. Curiosity is one of the very reasons I decided science was the right career path for me - I was always curious about the world around me, nature and how everything works.
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biology in Greece, then moved to the UK through the Erasmus (student exchange) program to work on a molecular biology project at the University of Warwick. I then secured my position as a PhD student at the University of Warwick, working on microbial interactions both in the lab and computational analysis (bioinformatics), before securing a role at the MHRA as a scientist.
Two years later I took on the role of the Microbiome Group Leader and I am pleased to still lead the group today.
My role involves coordinating a lot of different projects and programmes of work, critically evaluating information I get and making decisions. A part of the job I like is talking with people, my team, colleagues and external collaborators, listening to their ideas and perspectives, troubleshooting and discussing new projects. I thoroughly enjoy giving talks at national and international events sharing our scientific experience, advocating for MHRA, and our work and see the difference we are making in the field and in public health.
There’s lots things I enjoy about working in STEM, but the best thing about being a scientist is that you never stop learning! This job can never be boring, there is always more to learn. I also love how open-minded this field is and the fascinating minds I meet on daily basis.
My advice to anyone seeking a career in STEM would be to remain curious and get comfortable with being wrong - because being wrong and failing is how you learn and grow.