Profile

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Mahetab Amer

    • About Me:

      I spend my days exploring how cells build and repair bone. I enjoy finding new ways to solve problems using science and engineering!

    • My pronouns are:

      She/her

    • My Work:

      I design tiny materials that guide how cells grow and turn into bone. This helps us understand how the body repairs itself and find better ways to treat disease.

    • Read more

      I design and build tiny materials that cells can grow on. These materials have different shapes and patterns, and I use them to see how cells respond, e.g. to see whether they stick, what they look like when they do, and if they change into bone cells.

      By studying this, I can understand how the body builds and repairs bone. This helps scientists create better models of the human body in the lab, which can be used to test new treatments more safely and effectively.

    • My Typical Day:

      I spend time in the lab doing experiments with cells and materials, then use microscopes and computers to see what’s happening.

      I also work with students, doctors and other scientists to plan new ideas and solve scientific problems.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I would use the prize money to run a competitive “cell engineering” challenge, where students design and test surfaces to control how particles stick and organise. Teams would compete to achieve the best results under set conditions.

    CV

    • Education:

      I studied Pharmacy at university, then completed a PhD in Tissue Engineering at the University of Nottingham.

    • Qualifications:

      I completed my GCSEs and A-levels, then studied for a BSc in Pharmacy and an MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, followed by a PhD in Tissue Engineering.

    • Work History:

      I started as a teaching assistant and worked in herbal medicine research, but realised it wasn’t for me. I then moved into tissue engineering, completed a PhD, followed by a postdoc, and now I’m a lecturer and research group leader.

    • Current Job:

      Lecturer in Regenerative Medicine at the University of Manchester

    • Employer:

      The University of Manchester

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Bone-building bioengineer

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Pharmacist

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        No, but I did ask a lot of questions!

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        I’d probably work as a data scientist, using numbers and patterns to solve real-world problems like improving healthcare or designing better technology.

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        I don’t have a favourite: I like a mix depending on my mood.

        What's your favourite food?

        I enjoy lots of different foods, especially Middle Eastern cuisine

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        To do work that makes a real difference, to have the resources to pursue big ideas, and to have the time to enjoy life outside of work too.

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