Hi, my name’s Sarah. I moved to the Island in 2018 and am currently working as a Biology Teacher at QEII and as an Associate Lecturer for the Open University on an undergraduate degree module. My STEM specialism is biology, with a focus on pathology, cellular biology and biochemistry.
My career path began with a post A-level BSc (Hons) degree in Experimental Pathology. This included a fascinating year carrying out research into differential gene expression in human white blood cells. After this I studied for an MSc in Molecular Medicine, which led to a career in Medical Education for pharmaceutical companies. This I did for a number of years before completing a PGCE and re-training as a Science teacher, which resulted in me teaching in various London and Hertfordshire schools before coming to the Isle of Man.
Prior to teaching, working in industry was a really valuable experience as it gave me insight into the biomedical sector, clinical trials and drug development. However, my passion has always been education. In particular, I find it especially satisfying when I can distil an extremely complex biological process or concept and make it understandable and accessible, be that by a patient, student or medical professional.
As a result, I believe STEM education is essential in how it helps us understand the world around us, make evidence-based informed decisions about our lives and bring about positive change for society.
Why choose Biology!?
If you understand Biology you can have a great understanding of the world around us and how we as a species fit into the universe. This is because Biology exists on so many different scales.
To begin with, you can consider it from a cellular and molecular level – understanding how a change in just one atom in one molecule can significantly alter the destiny of the whole organism.
However, you can also consider it from a cellular and organ level – how the smallest units of life work together and communicate.
On top of this, you can consider it from a whole organism level – the complex interplay of organs and systems with specialised structures and functions.
Lastly, you can consider it from an ecosystem and biosphere perspective – how organisms, populations and communities connect interact and how the delicate balance of a biosphere depends of the interplay of all biotic factors.
If you love life, study biology, because that’s what it is!
