We are back with our 'spotlight on' interview series, shedding light on inspiring women working in the field of neuroscience and reflecting on their distinct backgrounds and career journeys. The questions posed to these individuals explore the themes of job perks and challenges, developing new skills, inspirations in the neuroscience field, and goals for the future. Stay tuned to see new interviews every few weeks from women in a range of neuroscience-related professions!
This month, and as part of International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, we interviewed Dr Hannah K Jackson, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham. Hannah discusses balancing the many aspects of research, the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive network and her hopes and dreams for her future in academia.
Can you tell us about your background in science, your current area of study, and what interested you about neuroscience initially?
I started my scientific journey at the University of Nottingham, focusing on extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are membrane-surrounded ‘packets’ that are released by cells, carrying molecules to be delivered to recipient cells. I initially studied their role in medulloblastoma, the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. My research was centred on understanding how EVs contribute to metastasis and exploring their potential as biomarkers to better characterise disease progression. After that, I moved to bioengineering EVs for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development during my postdoc at Cambridge University, collaborating with Exosis Inc.
In my current position at The University of Nottingham, I’m working on how cancer and its treatments affect pain and sensitisation, with a focus on how EVs transfer biologically active compounds that alter neurodevelopment. My fascination with neuroscience stems from the complexity of the brain's interactions with diseases, particularly in cancer and pain.
What made you pursue the position you are currently in?
I pursued my current role because I was drawn to the potential of EVs to bridge various fields-from cancer research to neurodevelopment-and make a tangible difference in understanding diseases. The opportunity to explore how EVs can influence pain and sensitisation after cancer treatment, combined with my passion for translational research, drove me toward this position. Additionally, moving back to the University of Nottingham was an important decision for both personal and professional reasons. Nottingham offers a welcoming environment and a supportive research community that aligns with my scientific goals. It also allowed me to be closer to my husband, which has made the transition even more rewarding, both personally and professionally.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of your current job?
The best part of my job has to be the feeling that I’m contributing to something that could really make a difference in patients’ lives one day. I love the challenge of answering complex questions that have the potential to lead to practical applications, whether that’s in diagnostics, therapeutics, or just better understanding disease mechanisms. Plus, I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by fantastic scientists and I have a lovely, friendly network. Their support and enthusiasm make every challenge feel a bit more manageable and every success that much better!
What are some of the challenging aspects of your current job?
One of the trickiest parts of my job is juggling all the different aspects of research. Between lab work, teaching, admin tasks, writing grant proposals, and publishing papers, it can feel like there’s a lot to keep track of! It’s definitely a challenge to stay focused on meaningful research while managing all the competing priorities.
And then there’s the added stress of working on temporary contracts. Not having the security of a permanent position can really weigh on you! Contract work can be tough, especially when you’re trying to plan long-term research projects or secure consistent funding. On top of that, balancing life commitments with the demands of an academic career can be overwhelming. It’s a constant juggling act, and sometimes it feels like personal responsibilities and career aspirations are pulling me in different directions. That uncertainty can make it hard to see a clear path to my future career goals!
What are you currently trying to get better at in your neuroscience job?
Science is always challenging, no matter the role or field you’re in! Working with primary cell cultures can be particularly demanding, as the cells are often very sensitive and require careful handling. After investing weeks or even months in a particular experiment, it can be really disheartening when the experiment fails, or something goes wrong.
I’m learning not to let these setbacks define my day or affect my mood too much, reminding myself that I’m more than just a failed experiment. Building resilience and staying focused on the bigger picture is something I’m actively trying to get better at, knowing that challenges are part of the process but don’t define me as a scientist.
Which women in your life inspire you, in neuroscience and beyond?
During my PhD, I was incredibly fortunate to be part of a lab surrounded by fantastic, inspiring female scientists who quickly became, not just my closest friends, but also my biggest supporters. We were led by a wonderful PhD supervisor, Professor Beth Coyle, who gave us the freedom to take ownership of our research. She pushed and supported us to reach our full potential, allowing us to shape our projects and grow as independent scientists.
I’ve also been very lucky to work with exceptional female mentors throughout my academic journey, especially within the UK EV community. Their scientific achievements are inspiring, but what really stands out to me is their dedication to mentoring younger scientists and fostering a supportive, welcoming environment. I admire their ability to balance thriving careers with personal lives, which is something I aspire to achieve myself.
A key part of my postdoc journey has been the constant support and guidance from my postdoc mentor, Dr Lesley Young. Her mentorship has been invaluable, helping me navigate the complexities of research while always offering encouragement and advice.
On a more personal level, my mum and sister are two of my biggest supporters. Their unwavering encouragement and belief in me drive me to work hard and make them proud. They’re always there for me, and I’m endlessly inspired by their strength and love.
What goals do you have for your career, and where do you see yourself in the next few years professionally?
I hope to continue working in the EV field with a focus on translational research that directly benefits patients. In the next few years, I’d love to secure more funding for innovative projects, potentially becoming a principal investigator leading my own team. Supporting and mentoring the next generation of early career researchers is something I’m particularly passionate about, and I hope to create a nurturing environment where they can thrive and develop their careers. Ultimately, I aspire to become a professor and contribute to impactful work in both cancer biology and neuroscience.
What advice would you give to women at the early stages of their neuroscience careers?
Dive into your scientific community early! Networking and finding mentors can make a huge difference in your career path. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and surround yourself with supportive colleagues who inspire you. Remember, research can be really tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding-so make sure to celebrate the highs along the way! Stay curious and persistent because the journey is full of ups and downs, and resilience is key. Embrace the challenges, and know that having a solid support network will help you navigate whatever comes your way!
What aspects of the science/academic industry do you think need improving/addressing, particularly in terms of issues minority groups may face?
One of the biggest challenges in academia, particularly in STEM, is the lack of representation and mentorship for minority groups, including women, BAME individuals, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s really important to have role models who understand the unique obstacles these groups face. We need to actively promote initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion in hiring and funding-after all, a more diverse academic environment benefits everyone.
Unfortunately, the societal expectations that still persist in academia can be incredibly discouraging for talented women. Juggling academic pressures with parenting responsibilities adds an extra layer of difficulty. It’s a tough balancing act, and many women feel they have to choose between their careers and their families. We need to create a culture where women don’t have to compromise their aspirations, where they can thrive both as researchers and as parents. By addressing these issues, we can help cultivate an academic environment that is not only more inclusive but also richer and more innovative.
This interview was conducted by Neave Smith and edited by Rebecca Pope, with graphics produced by Lilly Green. If you enjoyed this article, be the first to be notified about new posts by signing up to become a WiNUK member (top right of this page)! Interested in writing for WiNUK yourself? Contact us through the blog page and the editors will be in touch.
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