Alumna Inspires Aspiring Biologists

A huge thank you to Dr. Ella Hopkins (Cribb’s 2015), who returned to Alleyn's to ignite the curiosity and ambition of Alleyn’s BioMed Society. 

Ella captivated her audience of aspiring biologists and medics with her academic and professional journey from the Alleyn’s Science block to becoming a scientific researcher with the University of Cambridge specialising in the area of nerve injury. 

Ella explained to the students that she loved Science but always knew she was too squeamish to consider a career in medicine. She talked them through different routes into working in research, helping them unscramble the often-confusing terminology they might come across.   

Ella also took a moment to express her gratitude to Alleyn’s 2nd in Biology, Mrs. Count, her former A-level Biology teacher (pictured with Ella), who played a pivotal role in her journey. It was Mrs. Count who encouraged Ella to apply for a Nuffield Research Project, giving her the opportunity to experience hands-on lab work for the first time. And Ella never looked back! 

From there, Ella undertook a Molecular Biology degree at the University of Sheffield, followed by a Master of Research in Biosciences at UCL, and most recently, a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge. 

Ella shared the cutting-edge science behind her current work, investigating the proteins and molecules responsible for axon degeneration. And the ultimate goal of her research, to develop drugs and therapies that could halt this process and potentially cure debilitating diseases. 

The students were fascinated to learn what life as a researcher really looks like. Ella described her typical weekly routine, which includes conducting lab experiments, analysing data, teaching Natural Sciences undergraduates, attending meetings, and writing and presenting scientific papers. 

The session wrapped up with students eagerly asking insightful questions about Ella’s research and career, clearly inspired by her journey and her passion for science.