Profile
Judith McCann
Last web chat done *sniffles*, got plenty of time now to freak out about evictions (and I should probably do some work :p)
My CV
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Education:
Bishop Rawstorne, 1999-2004. Runshaw College, 2004-2006
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Qualifications:
University of Manchester 2006-2010
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Work History:
I’ve had a lot of jobs in college and university in shops, restaurants, pubs etc. Since starting a PhD, I’ve had the chance to teach younger students.
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Current Job:
PhD student
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Read more
I work in biomaterials, in polymers, which is basically altering materials to suit the conditions inside the body and replace damaged tissue. The aim of my work is to make a material which has properties that are altered when it is put inside the body.
We are trying to make a liquid that will turn into a solid (gel) when there are enzymes present. Enzymes break down specific proteins in the body, but this means they are also specific to certain diseases. By changing the form of the material it could be a bandage while the body heals itself or it could release a drug to treat the disease. -
My Typical Day:
On a normal day I’m either preparing a new material or looking into the properties of things I’ve already made
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Read more
I spend a lot of time making new materials and sorting out what I’ve made. I get to use different characterisation methods to find out how strong my polymers are, how they behave, if they react to changes in environment and what they look like under microscopes.
The polymers I work with are collapsed balls of chains entangled together and they way they change propeties is that something triggers them to swell with water, making them solid and strong gels. In our research group we can make this happen with time, temperature changes, changes in acidity or alkalinity, and my part of the project is trying to make this happen when enzymes are present. -
What I'd do with the prize money:
I would love to put it towards a science fair at my old school
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Approachable, Assertive, Honest
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Sometimes, but mostly over homework and uniform.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
At the moment, Jessie J
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1) that me and my family could be happy, healthy and successful, 2) to get my work published and recognised and 3) pet Liger!(lion/tiger cross)
Tell us a joke.
What’s the difference between Chemistry and cooking? In Chemistry, you should never lick the spoon.
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