Page 9 - Eclipse - RVC Alumni Magazine - Autumn 2020

populations, not externally imposed. And that are robust enough to explore questions from ‘swab to policy and mitigation’. From the animal health side, we need enhanced and longitudinal engagement with our public health colleagues so that they recognise the challenges and threats – but also that these potential threats are appropriately risk assessed and not sensationalised.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the work you do?
No fieldwork or international training has hampered progress on many projects, and different lockdown strategies in different countries have made it challenging to
keep assessing flu virus circulation. However, we have been resourceful and tried wherever possible to continue work – for example doing extra online training to help support local researchers.
As a woman leading scientific research, have you faced challenges?
There are relatively few women in leading scientific positions to look to
as role models and at times there is quite a male-oriented work environment. However, this situation is not new, or unique to infectious disease research and was faced by inspirational women pioneers in the veterinary profession, such as Mary Brancker. There are
also challenges managing family commitments relative to study (in my PhD days – which I started when my second child was six months old) and work, and in international travel.
What advice would you give new graduates starting out today?
Keep your mind open to all opportunities. In my experience there isn’t really a
clear ‘career’ path, but your all-round professional training is second to
none. There’s also no wrong or right route – just go with your instinct and be passionate about what you do. It’s also OK to change track, just be brave!
ONE HEALTH
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