Profile
Lisa Leinhos
-
About Me:
Hi I’m Lisa. I’m a molecular biologist exploring the mysteries of human genetics in Oxford. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll find me enjoying live music and taking the neighbourhood pups for the best walks ever!
-
My pronouns are:
she/her
-
My Work:
I’m a scientist at Oxford University, and I’m part of a cool team of researchers from all over the world who are interested in studying genes.
-
Read more
Genes are like tiny instructions that tell our bodies how to grow and work properly. But sometimes, sometimes there can be mistakes or changes in these instructions, which can lead to certain genetic conditions.
Together with other researchers on my team, we’re like detectives trying to solve the mystery of rare genetic conditions. We’re exploring why some children are born with these conditions while others aren’t. Our work focuses on understanding how these conditions develop and finding ways to improve treatments for those affected.
-
My Typical Day:
I’m more of a night owl than an early bird. I usually skip breakfast to get a few extra minutes of sleep. I get to the lab around 9:30 am and plan my day full of exciting experiments. Every day in science is different, so you never know what fun surprises are in store!
-
Read more
I love meeting other researchers for lunch or coffee breaks. We all share our cool and not-so-cool experiments of the day.
Experiments can take a long time, so while waiting, I often have lots of meetings and have to write reports and some emails too – the not so exciting part of science.
But sometimes, I get to travel to fun places and countries to present my work and exchange new ideas with other scientists!
-
What I'd do with the prize money:
If I win the £500 prize, I would use the money to organise a special event for children living with the rare genetic conditions we’re researching. This event would not only help everyone learn more about these conditions but also provide the children with a fun, interactive way to see what we do in the labs to better understand them. It would also be a unique opportunity for the children to meet others with similar experiences and for their families to network with researchers, fostering a sense of community and demonstrating how science can positively impact their lives.
-
Education:
I went to school in Germany, where I grew up. In Germany, school takes 13 years, and I graduated with the Abitur, which is like A-levels in the UK. After school, I went to University to study for my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Science. Then, I worked on a PhD in both Germany and England, studying how hearts work.
-
Qualifications:
Abitur (German A-levels)
Bachelor of Science (Biology)
Master of Science (Biology)
PhD (Molecular Medicine)
-
Work History:
During university, I worked in a clothing shop. It was a lot of fun and very different from working in the lab. After I got my PhD, I moved to Oxford to do more research.
-
Current Job:
Scientist at Oxford University
-
Employer:
University of Oxford
-
My Interview
-
What did you want to be after you left school?
a scientist (shocking)
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I might have forgotten my homework ...
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
an archaeologist digging for treasures
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Taylor Swift
What's your favourite food?
everything with cheese!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
a dog, a teacup pig, endless holidays
Tell us a joke.
Why did the skeleton go to the party alone? Because he had no body to go with him!
-