Juliet Richards
Start date: October 2006
Division: Cancer Therapeutics
Supervisor: Michelle Garrett
Juliet understands the commitment involved in undertaking a PhD. "After university, I joined a small biotechnology company for a couple of years whilst deciding whether or not I wanted to do a PhD," she explains. "Although I enjoyed the science, I felt I would reach a certain point in my career and would not be able to progress much further without one."
With her mind made up, it was just a question of where to study; Juliet had previously completed a one year placement in the Division of Cancer Therapeutics at the ICR during a Biochemistry degree, and had no qualms about coming back: "I met several PhD students in my training year at the ICR and I knew it would be an excellent place to study," she added.
Juliet’s work involves the androgen receptor, a target that plays a key role in prostate cancer disease progression. "I aim to identify small molecule inhibitors of androgen receptor activity through a cell-based screen, which may later be developed into novel therapeutic treatments for castration resistant prostate cancer," she explains.
A PhD at the ICR is no ordinary PhD. "You’re constantly being challenged," says Juliet. "My work involves many different techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry, some of which are not done routinely in my lab." That’s not to say that it is just plain hard work and no play: "The good thing is that you get to meet people from other departments with such a variety of knowledge and experience you can’t fail to pick up new skills, as well as making new friends. There’s a genuine social atmosphere."
Juliet says that the social community extends beyond helping each other with experiments. "The student committee is always organising social events, and the on-site bar holds events for everyone throughout the year from barbecues to casino nights, and Halloween and Christmas parties."
The ICR goes further than just educating the next generation of scientists – it prepares them for all facets of scientific research. "In Cancer Therapeutics, all the students give an annual talk. At first this is incredibly daunting, but it provides you with a hugely invaluable experience for your future career," states Juliet. "As a result colleagues come and talk to you afterwards with suggestions and ideas and you gain so much from it."
