It is that time of year again—British Science Week is upon us! This event highlights the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and innovation, bringing together communities all over the United Kingdom (UK). This week offers a fantastic opportunity to dive into the inspiring career of Dr. Samantha Henry, a scientist at APHA. Her journey is not solely about academic accomplishments; it is a story filled with curiosity, perseverance, and a strong desire to create positive change.
“It is not easy to know which career path to take as a young person, and throughout life we can often feel under pressure to have it all figured out.
As a child, I wanted to become an astronaut and be the first to plant Jamaica’s flag on the moon. By year nine at school, I wanted to become a movie star and walk the red carpets of Hollywood. Then suddenly, as a teenager, I developed a keen love for life science without knowing whether I should be a medical doctor, nurse or radiographer.
The idea of being a scientist was nowhere on my radar. It was not until I approached the end of my undergraduate degree that a turn of events led me in a direction that cemented my career as a research scientist, which then secured me a role as a Veterinary Research Scientist at APHA.
The eureka moment
After leaving Jamaica to live in the UK, I studied Applied Sciences at college. One of the most common academic routes for students on this course is to go on to study Biomedical Sciences at undergraduate level which is exactly what I did. Biomedical Science is a broad course which allowed me to explore different topics such as biochemistry, bioinformatics, microbiology and veterinary science, which was useful as I was still unsure of exactly what I wanted to become. My university offered a sandwich year that allowed me to do a placement as a Trainee Biomedical Scientist within an NHS Trust, and I completed the Institute of Biomedical Science Registration Portfolio of Competence. Though I learnt a lot and would be a qualified Band 5 Biomedical Scientist after graduating, I felt as though something was missing.
In my final year of university, I carried out a research project on bacterial drug-resistance and was hooked! It was at this very moment I discovered research was my calling. Torn between choosing a graduate job and a PhD position during a pandemic, I dived into a PhD in microbiology research and have not looked back ever since. If I could describe my PhD research in three words they would be: thrilling, novel and multifaceted.
I first found out about APHA through the Civil Service Jobs website and was instantly lured by the diversity of roles that were available for science graduates. I initially started out as a Joint Deputy Manager for the Salmonella National Reference Laboratory and was later promoted to my current role as a Veterinary Research Scientist in the Mycoplasma Team.
Life as a Veterinary Research Scientist
I work in the Bacteriology Department at APHA, as the Mycoplasma Research and Test Development Manager and my role is to develop and validate tests to characterise veterinary mycoplasmas.
Veterinary mycoplasma species are significant because they cause a range of serious and economically impactful diseases in livestock which include pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis and reproductive issues. The Mycoplasma Team at APHA provides valuable diagnostic services and advice to the veterinary sector. Functioning as a National Reference Laboratory, the Mycoplasma Team identifies important Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species. We also aid in the detection of new pathogens, monitor endemic (native to the UK) and exotic (foreign to the UK) diseases and perform surveillance work for other diseases of economic importance.
“… APHA gave me the wheel to steer my career in the direction I would like to go"
There are many perks to working at APHA, and a new one pops out of the goodie bag every day. Settling into my scientific career, I was most scared about undertaking a role I might be unhappy in. The average person spends one third of their life at work, so being content in my job is vital for me. I am a highly energetic individual that likes to be kept on my toes and APHA provides the stimulation and challenges I need.
Although my job focusses on laboratory research, APHA has also allowed me to explore other areas such as contributing to publication articles; attending conferences; pursuing further education (funded by APHA); participating in the APHA STEM outreach programme for the local community and train international laboratories on various scientific techniques.
In layman’s terms, APHA gave me the wheel to steer my career in the direction I would like to go. This is one of the many attributes I admired about APHA as its approach is not a ‘one size fits all’. APHA provides a lot of opportunities, catering to each member of staff based on their personality, interests and expertise.
Final thoughts
Life really is a learning curve. I believe that it is okay for our dreams and goals to change as we gain new experiences and discover new elements about ourselves. Yes, as children we have lots of time to make our minds up on what we want to do, but as adults, it is okay to have a change of heart in the middle of our careers. I did not always know the exact path I wanted to take until the end of my undergraduate degree. Thanks to APHA, I am in an organisation that provides numerous opportunities for scientists like me to explore, learn and grow.
If you are at a career crossroad or just wondering which path to choose, I hope this blog gives you the confidence to follow your aspirations. You have got this!”
Find out more
For those inspired to embark on their own scientific journey, British Science Week provides the perfect opportunity to explore, engage, and discover pathways into this fascinating field. Visit the British Science Week website to learn more about events, resources, and ways to get involved.
9 comments
Comment by Sam Connelly posted on
A really inspirational journey into the APHA, Sammi!
Comment by Emma Taylor posted on
Thanks for the great blog post Sammi! It's nice to learn more about you and the path you took to be where you are now. I look forward to seeing what you achieve next!
Comment by James Kincaid posted on
Sammi this couldn't have come out at a better time; funnily enough my many childhood aspirations and undergraduate experience with biomedical science were quite similar to yours, so reading about your journey is truly inspiring. Wise words!
Comment by Panchita Golding posted on
Excellent blog my granddaughter, inspiring and innovative career journey. I like the direction you have taken…kudos to you!!!
Comment by Fungai Marongere posted on
Great read and very inspiring!!, thank you for sharing
Comment by Dr Pamela Knight-Davidson posted on
Amazing insights into how careers may develop organically...very proud of you
Comment by Babajide Osilaran posted on
Worth reading again. This is a great piece Dr. Well done Dr. Sammi
Comment by Clive Dunham posted on
Super Heroine..
Comment by Sash posted on
My dearest cousin, I’m beyond proud of you, you already know of this. Like we know the sky is not the limit there is always new levels to unlock and opportunities to attain. With your level of determination and dedication there’s no doubt that you’ll be on top of the world thriving and enjoying life as you deem. Love you!!!!