Honouring our communities: making space for the next generation

Written by Thora Paul

My name is Thora, and I am a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist currently completing a Master of Research in Biomedical and Molecular Science at King's College London.

My interest in science developed at school, as I enjoyed my science classes and had some great teachers (shout out to Ms Patel). My interest led me to explore beyond what I was learning in class and do my own research on topics I found interesting. Growing up, I saw a lot of my peers and their family members with complex medical needs, which streamlined my interest into Healthcare. 

Making biomedical science visible

I was privileged to join the IBMS for a public engagement event at the University of Westminster. It was great to talk to young people about what biomedical science is and share some of my own experiences studying biomedical science at university and working in the field.

I also really enjoyed learning about the different work people in the field were doing and answering the questions the students had. I remember what it was like to be in their position. Like many of the students at the event, when I was in secondary school, I had no idea what biomedical science was or what Biomedical scientists actually did, so it was nice to share a little about their work.

A lot of the work conducted within biomedical science happens 'behind the scenes', so I think it is important for scientists to engage with the public to help them better understand what really happens when their samples are sent to the laboratory. I also think more visibility for biomedical science as a career path is important.

Community is everything

To me, community is everything. It's what makes me who I am. The people I grew up with, the public that I serve through my work and the communities I hope to become a part of and build.

I think it is important to honour our communities by remembering where we came from because it is our communities that make us who we are. Remembering where you started allows you to reflect on how far you have come. I also think it is important to give back to our communities where we can, so others can have the same opportunities we have had. I love the Dr Maya Angelou quote, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”

As a young black person studying science, I think it is important to help those in my community, be they black, white or of any ethnicity. According to the HCPC, approximately 18% of registered biomedical scientists are black, so I hope to inspire other young black people to pursue a career in science (if that's what they want to do), or in any field for that matter.

Seeing yourself in science

Representation is very important to me. Growing up, I did not really see many people who looked like me doing what I aspired to do, so I hope to inspire those coming after me to pursue their dreams.

There have been people, role models and experiences that have helped me feel that science was a path I could pursue. Some honourable mentions who had a larger impact than they ever knew include Ms McFarelane, my secondary school personal tutor; Ms Patel, my secondary school science teacher; Madam Sparks, my sixth form head of year; Mr Lansiquot, now a headteacher; Ms Rohdan, my mathematics teacher; and many more.

I am really inspired by Dr Vee Kativhu, an education activist who has overcome so many challenges and continues to inspire thousands. Ruby Granger, Jade Bowler (Unjaded Jade). Michelle Obama has also been a huge inspiration for me. 

My community has inspired me to be the change I want to see. We need a range of people in science and within communities who can advocate for their communities.

Making science more accessible

Seeing and being able to connect with people who look like them, talk like them and are doing what they aspire to do could help more young people from Black communities feel that there is a place for them in science and Healthcare.

I think there is a lack of accessibility for some students, and accessibility is definitely something I think could be improved. Because of this, I decided to start TikTok, Instagram and YouTube pages, all @itsbiomed, to help students who are interested in studying biomedical science at university. I hope to provide information that will be beneficial to students who have a lot of questions and do not know where to find the answers they seek.

For me, Biomedical science was a whole different world from the world I grew up in. I think it is important for people to understand that not everyone has had the same opportunities or experiences afforded to them growing up. Some people also have extra responsibilities and challenges that can make it harder for them to get the support they need. Everyone's starting point is different. It is important that we encourage each other and not limit each other.

Go for it

Go for it! Do research, talk to people in the field, get some work experience, read books. Explore new things. You can do anything if you put your mind to it! Do not allow other people's limitations to become your own.

My favourite quote of all time is:

"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve, regardless of how many times you may have failed in the past or how lofty your aims and hopes may be." – Napoleon Hill