What is your current role

I am a Reader in nanomedicine and Director of the SIPBS Graduate School.

Why do you love your job

As a dual citizen of France and Britain, being part of the vibrant and multicultural community at SIPBS is a unique experience. With over 100 nationalities represented on campus, I am constantly inspired by the diversity of perspectives that contribute to our research and teaching. Working at Strathclyde provides me with the freedom and independence to pursue my passion for developing targeted nanomedicines for cancer therapy. The access to state-of-the-art equipment at SIPBS has been instrumental in my research, including a groundbreaking achievement where 90% of tumours disappeared following intravenously administered gene therapy in preclinical settings.
The newly inaugurated Teaching and Learning building is a testament to the University's commitment to providing an optimal working and learning environment. However, what truly distinguishes Strathclyde is its exceptional community of students—driven, motivated, and enthusiastic—who contribute to creating an environment that optimizes both the learning and teaching experience, making my role as an educator and researcher incredibly rewarding.

Passions

At Strathclyde, the ethos of 'useful learning' is more than just a motto; it is a lived commitment. This is reflected in the way we conduct our research, which is characterized by a dynamic synergy between motivated students and dedicated researchers. I am particularly passionate about promoting inclusivity and diversity, values that align with the Athena SWAN Charter. As the Director of the SIPBS Graduate School, I actively work to support students facing difficulties and optimize their learning experience, so that everyone has equal opportunity to succeed. I believe in fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels valued and included. My passion lies not only in scientific research but also in mentoring the next generation of researchers to ensure that they can succeed in a diverse and inclusive academic community.

Have you any role models

I was lucky to meet extremely inspiring and charismatic scientists who were dedicated to advancing our understanding of cancer and developing new therapies. This experience was really inspiring and taught me a lot. I am also deeply admirative of pioneering female scientists such as Marie Curie, Katherine Johnson, and Valentina Tereshkova, whose groundbreaking work not only advanced scientific knowledge but also paved the way for women in science.

Have you come up against any obstacles during your career and how have you overcome them

The journey through academia is often akin to a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs. I have faced various challenges, from navigating the complexities of academia to dealing with grant and manuscript rejections. Having access to essential resources and personal development workshops has been crucial in helping me overcome these hurdles. My inherent positivity and optimism helped navigating these challenges; I consistently view the glass as "half full" and strive to identify the positive aspects in every situation. I feel a bit like a duck: calm and serene on the surface, but paddling like the dickens underneath!

What are your aspirations

Teaching and mentoring students, sharing that same excitement for science that has fuelled my own journey. What keeps me going is the idea that through science, we can make a real difference in people's lives, whether it's finding new treatments for diseases or inspiring the next generation of scientists.

What is your proudest moment

I am very honoured and humbled to be part of the Worldwide Cancer Research campaign.
This experience made me realize that our collective efforts can lead to significant advancements in cancer therapies. The campaign's mosaics, featuring cancer survivors sharing key moments of their lives which may never have taken place if it wasn't for a cancer treatment, was extremely moving and a powerful demonstration of hope.
Another significant achievement in my career has been the development of novel tumour-targeted dendriplexes for gene-based cancer therapy. These dendriplexes, administered intravenously, resulted in the regression and even complete disappearance of up to 90% of tumours in preclinical models of skin and prostate cancer. This breakthrough was a significant milestone as there are currently no commercially available gene medicines for intravenous cancer treatment.

Have you undertaken any mentoring

Yes, I have participated in the Aurora leadership development initiative for women. This program, run by Advance Higher Education, is a unique partnership that brings together leadership experts, higher education providers, and research institutes to address the under-representation of women in leadership positions. I found this experience both extremely useful and impactful! It reinforced my commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers.