Profile

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Taryn Reid

    • About Me:

      I live in Reading with my pet cat. I’m a research scientist during the day and a gamer at night. Some examples of games I play are Fortnite, Hell Divers and God of War.

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      I studied Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Leicester because I always loved science.

      I enjoy travelling to explore new foods and cultures. I really enjoy going to music festivals and concerts; I’ve saw Beyonce and Billie Eilish in 2025!

      This year I am going to the following concerts:

      • The Weekend
      • Bruno Mars
      • Doja Cat
      • Ariana Grande

    • My pronouns are:

      she/her

    • How I use Science in my work:

      I use a lot of chemistry knowledge (chromatography and molecule interactions) and fundamental biology principles.

    • My Work:

      As a research scientist, I am using proteins as biomarkers as a way to detect lung diseases. Lung diseases are really complex to understand so we are hoping to create a product that can help with early diagnosis.

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      I operate highly sensitive analytical instrumentation to analyse plasma samples for proteins specific to different lung diseases. I use my knowledge of proteins to develop sample preparation methods suitable to extract the proteins of interest. This information is then fed into a machine learning pipeline for identification.

      Blood plasma: the pale-yellow, liquid component of blood

      Protein: A protein is a large biological molecule that is made from a chain of amino acids (building blocks).

       

    • My Typical Day:

      I wake up and feed my cat breakfast. Once I arrive at work, I plan what I want to do for the day.

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      I often start my work day by preparing my experiments, which includes preparing samples for analysis. This preparation method extracts proteins of interest.

      I then analyse these proteins using an specialised instrument (LC-MS); I discuss and review the results with my team.

      LC: Liquid chromatography which is the separation of proteins by their chemical properties

      MS: Mass spectrometry is the detection of different ions by their mass and charge charge ratio.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I would love to organise some interactive workshops and events for students of different age groups to show that chemistry is the BEST subject!

    CV

    • Education:

      • Connaught School for Girls
      • Seven Kings High School Sixth Form
      • University of Leicester

       

       

    • Qualifications:

      • GCSEs
      • A-levels (geography, maths, chemistry, biology).
      • Pharmaceutical Chemistry with a year in Industry at univeristy

      I chose my A-levels with the aim of initially studying medicine. However, I found chemistry more interesting at A-level.

    • Work History:

      I have worked in lots of different roles over my career. I have worked as a waitress and cashier, lab assistant and scientist.

    • Current Job:

      I am currently a research scientist

    • Employer:

      Oxford Cancer Analytics (OXcan)

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Scientist Cat Mum

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Scientist

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        No, I was always a bookworm in the library

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Several options: Pilates instructor, actress or helping animals

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Billie Eilish

        What's your favourite food?

        Pho or Ramen

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        Three isn't enough!

        Tell us a joke.

        What's it called when all the cat treats are gone? A cat-astrophe!