Meet the team: Claudia White
Student member, transporter technician & “time lord”
Introduction
Hello, my name is Claudia, and I am a biotechnology student at the University of Newcastle. I originally started my degree in the hopes of perusing plant science however, I fell down the rabbit hole known as ✨Microbiology ✨
So, why did you join the team?
My long-term goals are to complete a PhD and work in research. I find enzyme and microbial technology absolutely mind blowing and would love to pursue a career in using these technologies to solve world problems. This is also the number one reason I joined the Novocastrians!
What’s your role in the team?
I am studying the transporter within our targeted benzoate, hoping to achieve some clarity of characterisation by the end of the competition.Furthermore, I am known as the “Time Lord’. I am in charge of keeping the team up to date with upcoming events and scheduling — Ella’s 2IC.
What inspires you?
As cliche as it sounds from a woman in STEM, I was originally inspired by Rosalind Franklin and her story. I hope to beat the stigma around women in STEM that still today tarnishes the scientific field today.
What have you accomplished with the team so far?
We have just finished cloning our plasmids and have started the transformation step. Soon to be starting the transporter expression assays…
What do you do outside of this?
I am a well-known ecological fiend. My house is a lush jungle and I have a soft spot for entomology. I have a collection of oddities (like taxidermied insects and bones), which keeps that old dream alive and somewhat current. Additionally, I have a very vast aroid collection and spend a lot of my spare time tending to my plants.
