Our Team

Lead Editors

Erin Pallott

I’m a third-year PhD student studying mucus responses to intestinal parasites, which might be two of the grossest aspects of biology imaginable. On the weekends, I’m often found at metal, goth, or emo gigs/club nights. I also really enjoy teaching and communicating science, and I am involved in several other projects such as Pint of Science, The Brilliant Club and I’m a Scientist. Twitter: @ErinPallott
Email: erin-claire.pallott@manchester.ac.uk

Sub-Editors

Contact an editor to hear about roles. We are not looking for previous experience, just an interest in developing science communication and writing skills. Spaces are always opening up. Get in touch with some of your article ideas, no formal application is necessary!

We are especially on the lookout for a new co-lead editor!

Luke Marshall – Sub-editor/Graphic Designer

I’m Luke, a science communication enthusiast from Bolton. Since volunteering for the Pint of Science festival this year, I’ve realised how much I’d like to move into this area as a career. Other than reading about science, I love ancient history and revelling in Manchester’s music scene.

Olatz Niembro Vivanco – Sub-editor

Hi! I am Olatz, a final year PhD Student straddling between the Lydia Becker Institute at UoM and the Dept of Life Sciences at Imperial. In my research, I explore how our Natural Killer cells release their deadly cargo to fight cancer and infections. When I’m not reporting back from the immune battlefield, you can find me bouncing around at a gig or crashing onto people on roller skates—mostly at a roller derby track. Occasionally I stand still and tweet from @Olatznv.

Elan Shellard – Wellbeing

Hi! I’m Elan, an MBPhD student in the Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences. I’m doing my PhD in between my 3^rd and 4^th year at med school in Newcastle and looking into the IL-23/ Th17 axis in psoriasis, specifically mapping risk genes onto cell types along the pathway. Outside of the lab you can find me on the rugby pitch, out on a run, wandering wherever I can find trees or curled up working through my (far too long) goodreads tbr list. You can find me on instagram @elanshellard.

Poppy Dunn – Sci-comm

Hi! I’m Poppy, a first-year cancer sciences PhD student in the Cancer Inflammation and Immunity group, researching the role of steroids in the tumour microenvironment. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me playing football or bouldering, or losing a pub quiz.

Subhajit Nath – Sub-editor

Hi, I am Subhajit! I’m an insatiably curious explorer always seeking new experiences, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories to share with the world. From hidden urban gems to off-the-beaten-path adventures, join me as I navigate the road less travelled.

Agnes Chan – Sub-editor

Dalia Aziz – Sub-editor & Social Media Manager

I’m Dalia, a BSc Medical Biochemistry graduate. For my final year, I undertook a science communication project focused on educating novice undergraduate students about the principles, types, and applications of mass spectrometry. When I’m not working, you can find me painting, doing Pilates or café hopping around Manchester.

Emily Barrett – Sub-editor

Hi! I’m Emily, a PhD student in the Division of Cancer Sciences. My research is in medical physics and focuses on proton therapy for cancer treatment. Outside of my PhD, I enjoy climbing, crochet and reading (and buying too many books).

Cherene De Bruyn – Sub-editor

Hi I am Cherene, a proud South African and a PhD student at Liverpool John Moores University, with a background in archaeology. Focused on forensic grave investigation, my research delves into the soil microbiome of graves, with the aim of detecting clandestine burials and human remains. When I’m not buried in research, you’ll find me exploring the city/the outdoors, finding creative expression through painting or nurturing my ever-growing collection of houseplants. I’m also currently on a journey to master the nuances of French. You can find me on X @Cherenedebruyn.

Sophie Alshukri – Sub-editor

Hi! I’m Sophie, a final year psychology PhD student at Liverpool John Moores University. My research topic is investigating how personality traits like psychopathy influence the perception of pain and empathy for other people. When I’m not working, you’ll find me cycling, watercolour painting, or trying out new recipes.

Catarina Cruz – Sub-editor

I am a biochemist and biomedical scientist who, after four years in project management, quality, and regulatory affairs within the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries, rediscovered my passion for research. In 2018, life took me from Portugal to Belgium, where I currently reside. I am now pursuing a PhD at Ghent University, exploring the potential of bacterial extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in cancer patients.
With a long-standing love for creative expression, I found the perfect balance in science communication and writing, allowing me to merge my analytical and imaginative sides.
When I’m not immersed in research, you’ll likely find me behind a camera (often while travelling), reading, playing tennis, enjoying live music, or exploring new crafting hobbies.

Vicky McIntyre – Sub-editor

Hi! I’m Vicky, a final year PhD student at Liverpool John Moores University. Currently, I am writing up my research which explores the effect of smokers’ harm reduction strategies on levels of secondhand smoke in homes. My research interests include air quality, secondhand smoke exposure and community health and wellbeing. In my free time, I will be playing with my children, at the beach or in the woods!

Rashmi Danwaththa Liyanage – Sub-editor

Hi! I’m Rashmi, a Sri Lankan British PhD student in Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University. My research focuses on intersections of discrimination, social identity, and psychosis among ethnic minorities in the UK. As an ethnic minority researcher myself, I’m deeply passionate about mental health issues affecting marginalised groups in the UK. While I’m not working, I spend most of my time with my five-year-old boy, attempting (and often failing!) to master his Spider-Man moves! Find me on X @RashmiLiyanage

Sarah Klingberg – Sub-editor

Hi! I am Sarah, a first year PhD student looking at unaccompanied migrant children going missing. This combines my interests in safeguarding young people and prevention of human trafficking, modern slavery and missing persons. I also enjoy reading on other topic areas, mainly criminology, psychology and medicine. Outside of research, you can find me practicing Jiu Jitsu, dancing the night away, or going on adventures, whether that’s in nature by day or being lost in a fantasy book at night. LinkedIn

Federica Spaggiari – Sub-editor

Hi, I am Federica and I am a PhD student at the CRUK Manchester Institute. In my project I am looking at identifying new therapeutic strategies to treat Small Cell Lung Cancer. I am a curious and inquisitive person, and I am passionate about making science more accessible to the public and show how impactful research can be in everyone’s life. Outside of the lab, I love playing (and watching!) tennis, hiking and listening to a good podcast.
LinkedIn | X: @fedespaggiari_

Oliver Hartley – Sub-editor

Howzit! I’m Oliver, a PhD researcher. Coming from Rustenburg, South Africa and having grown up with the Magaliesburg mountain (the third oldest in the world) as my back yard (literally!), my love for the natural world started very young! This has led me to work on awesome research projects like spying on Cape gannets on Bird Island, Gqeberha using micro-video cameras, to seeing what would happen to small mammals if the world became a sauna. Now, I am at St Andrews looking trying to see how we can speed up the data-to-decision pipeline of conservation management through automated wildlife detections, hopefully to reduce the time needed to both bring about and monitor conservation actions, speeding up our reactivity to conservation challenges. However, because no researcher needs an excuse for coffee, you will also find me trying out different cafes around town looking for the perfect cup.