Evette Hillman, Molecular Biology “A career in science is an exciting and fulfilling choice”
Published 8 March 2023
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Written by Evette Hillman, Microbiome PhD student at MHRA
I first developed a passion for science during my school years, in Ms Roberts’ biology classes. I am interested in the complexity of human microbial interactions and the impact on human health. There are still so many unanswered questions. This is what makes a career in science an exciting and fulfilling choice for me.
My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with Industrial Placement, where I gained hands-on experience working in molecular biology research labs in both Kenya and Germany. I moved back to Germany to pursue a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology where I research the microbiome of domesticated pigs. Now I am in the process of earning a PhD in the microbiome field.
There are many things that I enjoy about working in STEM, but what I find most fulfilling is the knowledge that my efforts will make a tangible impact on people’s lives and contribute to improving the wellbeing of patients.
I’m currently investigating the role of the gut microbiome in patients with Bile Acid Diarrhoea. This work involves processing a lot of stool samples and then analysing the microbiome and bile acid profiles of these samples. The biggest challenge of my PhD so far was teaching myself bioinformatics, it was a very steep learning curve. I use various bioinformatics tools to perform a comprehensive analysis of sequenced data. The analysis entails command line scripting, statistical analysis and visually communicating insights through the creation of numerous graphs.
My career in STEM has given me some amazing opportunities and achievements. I was honoured and privileged to be chosen for a two-week microbiology research excursion to Iceland. This incredible experience not only broadened my knowledge of microbes in extreme environments but also showcased the numerous possibilities of exploiting these microorganisms, including in the field of medicine. I’ve also won a few awards during my PhD including the ‘Most Promising Science Poster Prize’ out of over 500 posters at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference.
My advice to young girls aspiring to gain a career in STEM would be, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The American microbiologist Dr Anna Cherrie Epps is one of my heroes for her ground-breaking immunology research, but her unwavering commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the field of medicine is what truly sets her apart.