Graduate profiles

Name: Yasmin Azizbayli
Subject: BSc Biomedical Sciences
Graduated: 2021
Place of work: University of Nottingham
Position: PhD student in Reproductive Immunology

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

The curriculum at Royal Holloway immediately caught my attention, particularly the wide range of core modules such as immunology, human embryology, and molecular biology. Although I received offers from other institutions, Royal Holloway's comprehensive curriculum, which covered the majority of the field, ultimately made it the best choice for me. The beautiful campus was also a major draw, as well as the opportunities to engage more deeply within the department.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Royal Holloway truly nurtured my passion for the field and helped me decide which area I wanted to specialize in the future. Throughout my three years in the bachelor’s program, I grew both academically and personally. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic impacted my degree, the support I received from my lecturers Dr. Lydia Hanna, Dr. Jenny Murdoch, Prof. Enrique Lopez and personal tutor – Prof. James McEvoy was invaluable. One highlight was collaborating on a personal project with Prof. Vincent Jansen, which greatly enhanced my understanding of the application of computational biology in fertility clinic research.

Beyond academics, the practical lab skills I gained at Royal Holloway made me confident in learning new techniques quickly. I also had the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities, such as becoming the Editor-in-Chief of the "Scientist Scribe." This role allowed me to communicate scientific ideas in an accessible way and emphasized the importance of public communication through scientific writing.

What's happened in your career?

After graduating with a First-Class Honours degree, I received an offer from the University of Oxford to study MSc Clinical Embryology. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in embryology, and the knowledge I gained at Royal Holloway helped me secure this opportunity. My master’s program at Oxford was intense, but I thrived and achieved top marks, including a 15/15 in the laboratory skills test, and graduated in the upper half of my class.

After completing my master’s, I worked as an embryologist for a year at Fertility Partnerships in Oxford. However, I was always driven to pursue postgraduate research. I decided to pursue a PhD in Reproductive Immunology and was fortunate enough to secure funding from the government to study at the University of Nottingham. My first year of the PhD wasn’t without its challenges, and I had to make some adjustments to my project, but my passion for the subject kept me motivated. My research focuses on the effects of smoking and vaping on fertility and offspring health. I've always been interested in the environmental impacts on fertility and embryo development. At the moment, I am working part-time at a fertility clinic while continuing to pursue my PhD - it's challenging, but my passion for the subject keeps me motivated.

Name: Jack Bebb

Subjects: BSc Biology 

Graduated: 2024

Company: BonBon

Current Position: Company Director of a startup plant based business

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

What first attracted me to Royal Holloway was the diversity of modules in the BSc Biology course, which allowed me to learn about all aspects of biology from ecology and conservation to human physiology and biostatistics. This gave me an opportunity to discover parts of biology that I didn’t know before and allowed me to really understand what it was that I wanted to specialise in and learn more about.

The diversity of the course, the excellent field trips and practicals that were on offer throughout the course plus its accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology made this course stand out straight away.

And of course, from just seeing photos online of the Founders building and parkland campus it was clear to me that this was the university that I wanted to study at.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Throughout my course at RHUL I learned invaluable skills that will stand me in good stead for the rest of my career. Not only did the course content teach me so much about the world of biology but the way in which it was taught provided me with a range of skills. There was a good mix of working alone and in groups that made me be more independent, learning to plan in advance to ensure I meet coursework deadlines and also learning to work with others and being a good listener are excellent skills. Also, there was a good number of oral presentations throughout the course, which helped me become more confident with speaking in front of an audience.  

What's happened in your career?

So far since graduating, I’m yet to take a job in the field of biology. However, I am currently growing my small business which incorporates my love of conservation and animals by offering plant-based sweets with charity work and sustainability at the forefront of what we do.

Also, my time at RHUL taught me a lot about ecology and conservation and my love for nature and wildlife. So, I thought what better time to build my own campervan to head off travelling to different countries to explore the wilderness. Currently, I’m nearly finished with the build and I’m due to head off travelling the UK and Europe in a few months' time. 

Name: Abigail Callaby
Subjects: BSc Biology
Graduated: 2019 
Current Position: Team Leader Therapeutic Radiographer 
Place of work: Imperial College Healthcare Trust

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

I was initially attracted by the incredibly beautiful campus as well as its friendly and homely feel. It has a real community feel and I felt a sense of belonging very quickly. As someone who couldn't decide between Biomedical science or Zoology, I was also attracted by the range and flexibility of modules available.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

I completed a range of modules, certain favourites including Animal Behaviour, Extreme Animal Physiology, Parasitology, and the Molecular Biology of Cancer. The latter sparking my interest in my chosen career path. The value of friendships, teamwork and having good relationships with your supervisors, who still provide me with opportunities to this day! 

What's happened in your career?

After leaving RHUL, I studied for a postgraduate diploma in Therapeutic Radiography at London South Bank University. In 2021, I then began my career as a junior Therapeutic Radiographer ans was promotoed to Senior Therapeutic Radiographer in 2023. In 2024-2025, I did a 6-month Research Radiographer secondment within the oncology clinical trials team, and in early 2025 was made Team Leader Therapeutic Radiographer. 

Name: Jasper David Chaplin 
Subject: BSc Zoology and MSc Biological Sciences by Research
Graduated: 2022 (BSc) and 2023 (MSc)
Place of work: Royal Veterinary College
Position: Multi-Faculty Technician 

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

Royal Holloway was a perfect mix of the things I was looking for in a university. It consistently ranks highly in UK league tables and research excellence frameworks, so I knew that the course would be of high quality. It was close to London, which is one of my favourite cities, and I wanted to be able to go there regularly. Most importantly, when I visited the campus for the first time, I could see myself living there and fitting in.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

In addition to general life skills learned while living away from home for the first time, I also gained valuable experience with a variety of lab and field work and had the freedom to tailor my program courses in second and third year, which opened up many different career pathways for me. This was really helpful, since I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after I completed my degree.

During my four years at Royal Holloway, I went from being totally incapable of public speaking to successfully presenting my Master's research in front of a group, and I now present semi-regularly at careers events for RHUL, the RVC, and the Royal Society of Biology. I attribute this to a supportive network of staff who gave constructive feedback and encouraged my professional and academic growth.

What's happened in your career? 

I started my career at the Royal Vetinary College as a cleaner and general lab assistant and went on to become a member of the technical team. My role now includes bioveterinary teaching and research support, histology, equipment training, and safety supervision. I work closely with the Widening Participation team, hosting lab classes for secondary schools, and also participate in our annual Night at the Vet College event, where I demonstrate histology techniques to prospective students. In 2023 I became a member of the Royal Society of Biology, which has been invaluable for continued professional development.

Name: Jake D’Addiego

Subjects: BSc Biology 

Graduated: 2016

Company:UK Health Security Agency

Current Position: Senior Scientist

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

After my high school studies in Italy, I didn’t have a clear idea of where I wanted to go or even what to study. One of the things I had thought about was how great it would be to one day go to a top-ranking university, with a campus feel to it, not too big or dispersive, but somewhere more intimate and personal, where I could learn from world-class leaders and also feel at home at the same time. So, I started doing my research, and that’s when I first saw a picture of Founders building from my family laptop, back in Rome, and decided that Royal Holloway was the right place for me. And a couple of years later there I was, excited to start my Biological Sciences journey. 

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

It really has taught me most of the things I know about myself today as well as, of course, the actual science! When I first joined Royal Holloway, I was a kid with big dreams, and had very little experience of life in general. The teaching at Royal Holloway was outstanding, and I truly felt engaged with the subjects as I could tell the lecturers really did love what they did, but it was also a lot of hard work and at times I felt overwhelmed. There were also times where I had to present, talk to other students/lecturers for group assignments, and I felt out of my comfort zone. But through the supportive environment that Royal Holloway provided, I learnt to never give up, and to not walk away from awkward or uncomfortable situations. And those were in fact the very precious teachings that I continue to apply regularly in my personal and professional endeavours. 

What's happened in your career? 

Following my graduation at Royal Holloway, I pursued further graduate studies in Medical Microbiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which I actually first heard of from my final-year project supervisor! After getting my MSc I joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as a Development Scientist working on the development of molecular diagnostics for bacterial and fungal diseases. Working for such a large and well-known biotech company was great. I had many great opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in the UK and also abroad, and most importantly I gained some real-life experience with handling sequencing data from microbes, which is something that I really enjoyed.

Following my time in industry I joined a research group within the UK Health Security Agency (formerly known as Public Health England) to work on molecular diagnostics for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus. I thoroughly enjoy my current role, and the best part of it is that I still get to collaborate with scientists across the world, to help implement diagnostics and sequencing strategies for tick-borne viruses. It feels incredibly rewarding to witness how my work is making a tangible difference in the field of public health, and I am very excited to be in this field of research. 

Name: Ryan Demel
Subject: BSc Biochemistry, MSc Pharmacology, DPhil Computational Biochemistry
Graduated: 2021
Position: PhD in computational biochemistry

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

What first attracted me to the Royal Holloway Bioscience department was that they conducted loads of research in agrochemical technology and plant secondary metabolite analysis and optimisation, which was the field I wanted to go into. Also, a friend a year older than me recommended RHUL to me and spoke about the wonderful staff members and the lovely environment in which the campus is situated.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Royal Holloway has taught me the interdisciplinary nature of science and that the boundaries found separating the three main sciences fade away very quickly at the higher levels. My experience of role Holloway also showed me the interesting field of early-stage drug discovery- I was first exposed to this during my second year of my Bachelor's. Also, Royal Holloway was the first place that allowed me to experiment and use equipment and techniques that were only presented to me in books or presentations.

What's happened in your career?

Right after finishing my third year, I landed a computational internship, which segways into my first Job at Syngenta, a significant agrochemical company that I learned about during my Plant biochemistry module. After that, I worked for the NHS, then Johnson and Johnson, and went on to do my master's. Now, I am doing my PhD in computational biochemistry and looking at using machine learning for peptide design.

Name: Carlota Kiner-Josa

Subjects: BSc Zoology 

Graduated: 2022

Place of work: Royal Holloway, University of London

Current Position: Assistant Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

Two main factors drew me to the University. One was the incredible campus; just thinking about living there and being able to see it every day was something very special. The second was the course. During the applicant Open Day, I got to speak to lecturers, undergo a practical, and hear about the incredible opportunities the biological sciences department offered. This ultimately convinced me to make Royal Holloway a firm choice, which I have never regretted.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Apart from providing academic knowledge and key transferable skills, Royal Holloway taught me to find a passion and pursue it, even if that sometimes means steering off path.

What's happened in your career?

After graduating from Royal Holloway, I continued onto an MSc in Wild Animal Biology with the Royal Veterinary College and the Zoological Society of London. 

After completing the MSc, I spent some months working before moving to Costa Rica to conduct conservation work. I lived in the jungle for 5 months, conducting biodiversity surveys and working on the camera trap project aiming to detect elusive species in the jungle. 

I am now back at Royal Holloway working as an Assistant Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer. This role allows me to visit schools around the UK and share my love for the university with other students.

Name: Charley Lenton-Lyons
Subjects: BSc Zoology (Hons) 
Graduated: 2016
Place of work: Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Current Position: Principal Social Researcher

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

I wanted to find a university that would not only offer academic excellence but provide a welcoming environment that would support my interests and curiosity. I was invited to an Open Day for applicants to the Department for Biological Sciences where I had a chance to talk to lecturers, meet other prospective students, and engage with my first hands on action in the labs of the beautifully brutalist Bourne building. I immediately knew Royal Holloway was the right place for me for the next 3 years. 

Moving away from home for the first time is a huge step and I also wanted somewhere where I was going to feel at home. The picturesque campus of Royal Holloway ticked this box, with great halls accommodation (I was able to see Thorpe Park in the distance from my window and made extensive use of the annual pass in my first year), excellent sporting facilities (and a very diverse array of new sports to try!), and within easy reach of London for when I wanted to shake things up.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Royal Holloway provided a nurturing, supportive environment where I was given the freedom to explore emerging academic areas I was interested in. My dissertation tutor, Dr Sarah Papworth (big fan!), encouraged me to explore my interests at the interface between natural and social science in my final year project, with this possible due to the Department of Biological Sciences valuing diverse expertise. Not only did this help inspire my next career steps but it also taught me the importance of considering how biological sciences intersected with other disciplines to consider new and improved ways of approaching a central evidence question.

As someone who feels like they learn best when given the chance to engage with problems in a practical way, I really enjoyed opportunities provided by the department to do this including highlights of a marine biology module in the Scottish Isles, and applied ecology course where I got to go full animal detective mode in the final exam by scoping which creatures had left different tracks. Some of my favourite moments had me assisting with behavioural experiments with the UK's largest beetle, Lucanus cervus; setting up a GoPro in my garden to investigate different garden bird species preferences for food options as part of a behavioural ecology module; and appreciating the massive number of different grass species beneath our feet on my very first field trip to Box Hill. Real world evidence problems are often messy and complex, and I think it was really important to be given the opportunity to explore topics in a way that inspired student creativity to bring structure to a problem and consider potential solutions. 

The scientific method can be applied to a HUGE range of career options, and I feel like my Zoology degree from Royal Holloway prepared me excellently for this. 

What's happened in your career?

Following my time at Royal Holloway I was curious about continuing my studies around the role human behaviour change plays in supporting environmental goals, leading me to completing an MRes in Psychology at the University of Bath. Here I continued to apply new methods and ways of thinking to the environmental issues that Royal Holloway had laid the groundwork for. 

Armed with a transdisciplinary background in environmental sciences I aimed to dive into the world of conservation, though found myself unexpectedly falling into the Civil Service on a Science and Technology Internship at the Government Office for Science, where I had the chance to apply my research skills to provide high-profile evidence and policy recommendations on emerging systems issues. From there, I wiggled my way over to my current home of the past 4+ years at the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) where I have been fortunate to work across some really diverse and interesting areas including International Negotiations for the G7 and Convention for Biological Diversity, Defra's flagship R&D programme in the Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme, and International agri-food trade. 

I would fully recommend exploring careers in the Civil Service. Here I've had the unique opportunity to directly shape key national and international environmental policy and evidence priorities, meeting so many passionate and knowledgeable people internal and external government along the way. Always happy to talk those interested in discussing career options so please do feel free to reach out on LinkedIn.

Name: Alex (or Alexandra) McGoran
Subjects: Biological Sciences (BSc Hons), Masters by Research (MSc) and PhD in collaboration with Natural History Museum as part of the London NERC DTP
Graduated: 2015 (BSc), 2016 (MSc) and 2022 (PhD) 
Place of work: BioventusCefas
Current Position: Chemical analyst/Microplastics Scientist 

What first atttracted you to Royal Holloway?

There were many things that attracted me to Royal Holloway. The location was the first. I liked the closed campus and the proximity to London and my family, but enjoyed it was also far enough away to give me some independence. Because of this I attended an open day and got to speak to several of the students and see the accommodation. The students were all really positive and that made me feel more confident that RHUL was the right place for me. During the interview day I really enjoyed seeing the labs and doing a mini experiment The lecturers were very friendly and passionate and it is really the staff that meant I stayed at RHUL for as long as I did. Everyone in the department was welcoming, supportive, passionate and always had something interesting to tell you. I have to give a special acknowledgement to Prof. Dave Morritt who got me into microplastics and supervised me from my undergraduate research project through to the end of my PhD.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

RHUL taught me a broad range of topics under biological sciences and this wide scope was very useful for finding out where my passions lie. It has also helped as I can approach challenges from a range of perspectives which is especially helpful from a science policy perspective. Monitoring needs to be aligned between countries and across matrices and often contaminants. And ensuring that the monitoring is useful to answer policy questions means there is no “one way” to design the programme. Being able to consider multiple approaches or a systems-wide approach is incredibly powerful.

I was taught about critical thinking, statistical analysis and project design which are both crucial for strong science. I discovered a passion for marine biology and an interest in ecology. Outside of simply learning about my chosen subject, Royal Holloway taught me to be confident, passionate and how to communicate effectively. I learned team work through group projects and the women’s rugby and lacrosse teams. There are so many things I learnt from RHUL and I am definitely missing loads from this short list.

What's happened in your career?

So far in my career, I have had my data presented to the UK Parliamentary groups, I have been on TV (national and international) and in magazines dissecting seals, I have presented at New Scientist Live in the Excel Centre in London, I’ve spent three months on the Isle of Cumbrae studying plastics, I have organised a conference, I have been on a research vessel, I have studied deep sea fish from the South Atlantic and I have visited South Korea, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Spain and Amsterdam with Cefas.

During my thesis write up I started applying for jobs. These included post-doc positions as well as roles in the commercial sector. After attending an early career researcher event at the Linnean Society I became aware of science roles within the civil service. I applied for two positions at Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science – part of the Defra group) and luckily was successful. I have worked at Cefas for three years as a microplastics scientist and lab manager. I lead all biota work and collaborate with other members in the team for water, sediment and atmospheric analysis. My role sees me developing monitoring protocols for the UK and at wider regional levels (such as OSPAR), as well as knowledge sharing with experts around the world. I have helped to set up labs in several countries, including Ghana and Sri Lanka, providing training to international researchers in the process.

Through my PhD, which was based at NHM, I discovered a love for science communication and outreach. I now lead the Marine Litter teams outreach activities, giving careers talks, creating education materials and activities for the public. All the work we deliver at Cefas is reported to Defra who turn the science into policy action.

Name: Foram Ashwin Parajiya
Subjects: BSc Biochemistry
Graduated: 2023
Place of work: Dyad
Current Position: Clinical Coder

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

Royal Holloway’s strong reputation in life sciences, combined with its beautiful campus and welcoming community, made it an ideal place to study. The iconic Founder’s Building and green open spaces created an inspiring environment, while the large library with extensive study areas provided excellent learning resources. Being an all-campus university also meant I had the chance to meet a diverse range of people, fostering both academic collaboration and lasting friendships. The combination of academic excellence, modern facilities, and a supportive community made Royal Holloway the perfect place for my undergraduate journey.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Royal Holloway provided me with a strong foundation in biochemistry, developing my analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills. Beyond academics, it taught me the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication. The supportive learning environment and access to excellent resources, such as the well-equipped library and research facilities, helped me grow both academically and personally. My time there also strengthened my ability to manage multiple responsibilities, work independently, and think critically—skills that have been invaluable in my career.

What's happened in your career?

After completing my BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, I pursued an MSc in Clinical Drug Development at Queen Mary, University of London. I now work as a Clinical Coder at Dyad AI, where I translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes, ensuring accurate medical records and supporting healthcare analytics. This role allows me to apply my scientific knowledge while developing expertise in medical coding, data analysis, and healthcare informatics. Through this work, I have gained valuable experience in interpreting clinical documentation, maintaining coding compliance, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to improve data accuracy and efficiency.

Name: Priya Sandhu
Subject: BSc Biology 
Graduated: 2020
Place of work: GlaxoSmithKline
Position: Medical and Scientific Affairs Senior Scientist

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

Firstly, the campus at Royal Holloway is absolutely breathtaking. During my open day visit, I was warmly welcomed and made to feel at ease by the representatives, which left a lasting impression. The course offerings were particularly appealing, with a wide range of optional modules and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, Royal Holloway's stellar reputation, high student ratings, and robust university support were significant factors in my decision to enroll.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Royal Holloway provided me with the essential knowledge and skills needed to reach my current position. The university offered a perfect balance of independence and guidance, allowing me to select courses that resonated with my interests. This was made possible by the extensive range of options available, from lab-based and field-based practicals to the application of statistical methods in biological data analysis. These diverse experiences helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of my field and clarified my future direction.

Throughout my three years, I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my tutor, Dr Rudiger Riesch, who listened to my concerns and provided invaluable guidance. Additionally, my third-year research supervisor, Dr. Marta Perez Fernandez, challenged me to step out of my comfort zone during my research project, enabling me to realize my full potential.

What’s happened in your career?

Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic was a unique challenge, so I sought to contribute meaningfully by working as a Medicines Practice Coordinator in the NHS, assisting with patient prescriptions. During this period, I reflected on my career goals and decided to further my education by pursuing a Master's in Human Nutrition at the University of Surrey.

Upon completing my master's, I joined GlaxoSmithKline as a Healthcare Professional Consultant. In this role, I communicated the science behind GSK Oral Health products to clinicians and supported dentists with their Continuing Professional Development by delivering scientific presentations on oral health diseases. After 2.5 years, having gained substantial experience and training new starters, I wanted new challenges to push myself out of my comfort zone.

This led me to my current position as a Senior Scientist in the Medical and Scientific Affairs department within Research and Development. In this role, I provide scientific expertise to support the development and approval of medical products, ensuring that research findings are accurately communicated to healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities to improve patient outcomes. Recently, I organized a global webinar that was broadcast to approximately 10,000 clinicians, focusing on the science behind dentine hypersensitivity and improving its diagnosis and management.

Royal Holloway played an enormous role in shaping my career, and I am eternally grateful for the foundation it provided.

Name: Emily Vella
Subject: BSc Biology and MSc by Research
Graduated: 2018 and 2019
Place of work: MRAG
Position: Fisheries Consultant

What first attracted you to Royal Holloway?

I was drawn to Royal Holloway by the welcoming campus and passionate lectures who made biological sciences an inspiring subject. The range of lectures and modules meant I could join broadly focussing on Biology, being unsure where my interests exactly lied. I was able to try different modules, figuring out my interests and passions along the journey of my undergraduate degree, fine-tuning my modules each year.

What did Royal Holloway teach you?

Royal Holloway provided me a with a supportive environment to explore various interests, some that lasted and others that were fleeting. This environment gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and push myself year after year. Beyond technical expertise, Royal Holloway, through its lecturers, tutors, and students, taught me how to succeed, and in this, equipped me with the interdisciplinary tools needed to excel in whichever path I would later wish to pursue.   

What's happened in your career?

Over the course of my degree I discovered a strong interest in aquatic biology. My first job however, was at a terrestrial ecology consultancy firm, where I gained the six months industry experience needed to get my foot in the door. I then took a role as a Fisheries Officer, where I was able to re-align with my passion for marine biology, and it introduced me to the world of fisheries, a field I found really interesting. I learnt about the environmental impact of fisheries on a global scale and the role of sustainable certifications in incentivising and enforcing good fishing practices.

For three years, I assessed fisheries against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of sustainability, continuously learning about this evolving industry. A balance of on-site field work and desk-based studies, this career gave me the balance of travel and technical expertise development I was looking for. I felt this was a substantial amount of experience and after three years, I was being drawn to explore new challenges.

I decided to take a break and pursue my personal goal of solo travelling Southeast Asia, before switching careers. When I returned, I was set on joining the consultancy industry, and successfully landed a job as a Fisheries Consultant at MRAG. A year later, I've been able to apply my previous experience to my current role, where I value the multi-faceted perspectives I bring, having worked in the industry from different angles and roles.

My work continues to be on a global scale and varies from developing Fishery Management Plans and collaborating with fishers to improve the sustainability of their operations, to conducting supply chain risk assessments for abandoned or lost gear, and influencing policy. I enjoy contributing to the fisheries industry at multiple levels, whether working more closely with crew and fisheries, to large-scales operations such European Directive policies.