Harriet Lahiff

My Graduate Story

My name is Harriet Lahiff, and I completed an MPharm at the University of Birmingham.

I currently work as a Post Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Liverpool. My research focuses on Ras-driven cancers, working alongside Professor Ian Prior and Dr. Yasmina Sahraoui on a project titled 'Development of a novel in vivo model enabling the study of all Ras variants.' My work involves using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to study mutations in Ras oncogenic hotspots, creating an AAV library, and employing barcoding techniques to track mutation effects over time. Alongside this core project, I have designed a compound gene knockout strategy utilizing lentivirus, allowing further exploration of the relationships between Ras and other genes in cancer.

A Day in my Life

I usually start in the lab around 08:00 – I like to get in before the crowds! There isn’t a typical day in research, which is one of the things I love most about it. My daily tasks vary and can include designing and cloning plasmid DNA, using bacteria to propagate this DNA, generating viral vectors, and conducting experiments to study Ras mutations in both in vitro and in vivo settings. On some days, I work directly with cells or model organisms, while on others, I focus on coding to analyze genetic sequencing results from our experiments.

A life in research also provides a degree of flexibility. I manage my time independently, which allows me to lead seminars with Dentistry students and deliver lectures on cell signaling for Biology undergraduates. This flexibility has also enabled me to pursue a part-time master's degree in Academic Practice (University Teaching) alongside my research.

My Journey

I graduated with a first-class honours degree from the University of Birmingham’s inaugural Pharmacy (MPharm) course in 2017 before completing my pre-registration year at University College Hospitals London. After registering as a pharmacist, I pursued a rotational Master of Research degree, followed by a PhD under the Wellcome Trust scheme at the University of Liverpool.

During my PhD, I also completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) at the University of Liverpool and am currently working towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Academic Practice (PGDAP). Looking ahead, I aim to combine my pharmacy background with my expertise in cellular biology in an academic teaching role, supporting healthcare students in understanding clinically relevant cellular biology.

My Birmingham Experience

I was particularly drawn to the biology elements of my MPharm degree. I loved learning about molecular mechanisms within the human body and applying this knowledge to understanding disease states and their treatments. This passion led me to undertake a final-year project in molecular biology with Victoria Heath, which laid the foundation for my career in academia. The MPharm degree provides the best of both worlds—scientific training combined with a healthcare professional’s mindset, allowing for a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Birmingham's Impact

My course was proactive in showcasing opportunities across the medical school, enabling me to make connections with scientists who were not pharmacists but had given us lectures. The willingness of the MPharm faculty to allow me to find my own final-year project was pivotal in setting me on my current career path.

The university’s support extended beyond academic guidance. My course also introduced me to funding opportunities and professional development programs, which played a crucial role in shaping my research career.

My Achievements

Looking back on my time at Birmingham, I am proud of my academic achievements. I placed third in my third year and had a strong academic career. Additionally, I take pride in the foundations I helped build for the Rugby Birds, the medical school’s women’s rugby team, which continues to grow and succeed today.

Advice for Students

1. Be proactive – Nothing in life lands on your lap! Seek out connections, talk to people, and create your own opportunities.

2. Don't be afraid to ask – I love when students show enthusiasm for my field, and I am always happy to help them achieve their goals if they reach out.

3. Think ahead – Try to envision where you want to be in five years. While I enjoyed my pre-registration year in London, I knew I ultimately wanted to be based in the North of England. In hindsight, I would have been better off seeking a pre-registration placement in Manchester or Liverpool.

4. Immerse yourself in the student experience – I was president of 'Rugby Birds,' the medical school's women’s rugby team, where I made lifelong friends and valuable professional connections.