Jasmine Leslie

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

I chose the University of Birmingham because of its strong reputation in immunology and inflammation research. It has one of the leading rheumatology research groups in the UK and so I knew it would be a great place to learn from researchers who are making important advances in the field. Another factor was the close links with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which means there are opportunities to carry out research that is closely connected to patients and has the potential to make a real difference.

What made you choose your course, and what interested you most about the subject?

My PhD focuses on understanding the role of lubricin in maintaining healthy joints and investigating how its absence contributes to inflammatory joint disease. Living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis myself has given me a personal perspective on the importance of this research, and so I wanted to contribute to work that could improve our understanding of these conditions and ultimately lead to better treatments for future patients.

Having previously studied physics, I became particularly interested in biophysics and medical physics, and in applying scientific problem-solving to improve human health. The interdisciplinary nature of my research really appealed to me, giving me the opportunity to combine these interests while working on a project that makes meaningful impact.

What do you enjoy most about your PhD?

What I enjoy most is being part of such a motivated, supportive and collaborative research team.

I also find it incredibly rewarding knowing that my research has the potential to improve our understanding of rare diseases and, in the future, contribute to better treatments for children living with arthritis and related conditions. Being able to be part of a team that strives to make a real difference is what motivates me every day.

How would you describe the research environment, supervision and support you've received during your studies?

The research environment at Birmingham is collaborative, welcoming and supportive. I've been encouraged to develop both scientifically and professionally and have been offered plenty of opportunities to attend training courses, seminars and conferences. There are also lots of opportunities to hear from other researchers within the field which has been really interesting. This sharing of knowledge has broadened my expertise and created a great environment to learn in.

How have your studies helped you develop the knowledge and skills you'll need for your future career?

My PhD has allowed me to develop a wide range of skills, including lab work and experimental design, advanced imaging techniques, quantitative image analysis, data interpretation and scientific communication. Beyond the lab, I have strengthened my critical thinking, project management and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining experience presenting my research to both scientific and public audiences. These experiences have prepared me to tackle complex research questions and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are your career goals after completing your PhD, and how have your studies prepared you to achieve them?

After completing my PhD, I hope to continue working in biomedical research, helping to translate scientific discoveries into meaningful improvements for patients. I want to contribute to research that advances our understanding of inflammatory diseases and supports the development of new therapies. My PhD has provided me with the research experience and collaborative skills needed to pursue this goal, while reinforcing the importance of conducting research that has a genuine impact on people's lives.