Meet Marie, Doctoral Candidate in the ZooCELL team at UCL!
From cell biology to exploring the evolution of sensory cells, Marie is combining advanced imaging and single-cell approaches to uncover the cellular architecture of a tiny flatworm larva.
Read on to meet Marie and discover her research!
Who inspired you to become a scientist?
"The science teachers I had growing up definitely influenced my decision. They taught me how to find joy and interest in all the different topics and questions we can explore in biology."
What led you to comparative cell biology and ZooCELL?
"I started with an MSci in Cell Biology and explored ageing, frontotemporal dementia and developmental biology. The latter sparked my interest in comparative cell biology and the evolutionary questions I'm now asking in ZooCELL."
What are you working on?
"I'm using volume electron microscopy and single-cell RNA sequencing to 3D reconstruct the apical organ of a flatworm larva and explore the evolution of the sensory cell types animals use to interact with their environment."
What technique do you use most, and what makes it exciting?
"Electron microscopy is central to my project. I'm new to the technique, so every step is exciting! The ability to visualize cells at such high resolution continues to fascinate me."
What do you enjoy outside the lab?
"I've always used sports as an outlet, especially basketball and handball. When I'm not in the mood to be active, you'll usually find me reading, watching a movie or experiencing London with friends."
If you weren't a scientist, what would you do?
"I've always loved reading, so becoming an author has been at the back of my mind for a long time. I'm not sure what kind of book I'd write, but I'd like to find a way to connect it to science."
We are proud of having Marie as part of ZooCELL!