This article is more than 4 years old
“I think times are changing to allow more women to have a career in science”: CF researcher Dr Jo Fothergill
How did you start out in research?
I started my PhD in 2005 and have worked in research ever since. I feel incredibly lucky to have found something that I’m passionate about and has given me a fulfilling career.
Before I started my degree in Microbiology at the University of Manchester, I spent some time working as a healthcare assistant in the NHS. It instilled in me the importance of making a difference for people receiving care, and what health really means to us.
What’s your research about?
My research is about the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). I want to know why a bacteria that is generally found in the soil and water causes such persistent infections in people. It causes infections in various parts of the body, but it is lung infections that I’m particularly interested in.
How has the Cystic Fibrosis Trust supported your career?
The Trust has supported me at some important milestones in my career – from funding my PhD training, to receiving funding to train a PhD student myself.
I received a research grant jointly funded by Action Medical Research and the Trust just before I went on maternity leave with my first child. Having a family can be a challenging time for female academic researchers – and many women leave science at this point, so to get the funding then was really crucial to me. It gave me a huge boost and sense of purpose coming back to the lab afterwards.
I’m now the lead researcher on a Strategic Research Centre award co-funded by the Trust and the CF Foundation in the United States.
How could your research benefit people with CF?
Earlier in my career I developed a ‘PCR’ test to identify which strains of P. aeruginosa were present in samples from people with CF, based on the genetics of the bacteria. The test was incorporated into the Trust’s guidelines for how to test for CF infections in hospital microbiology labs.
As well as providing important information on how to treat infections, knowing the genetic details of P. aeruginosa strains led to better organisation of hospital CF clinics, to minimise cross-infection.
Of course, when I was doing this work in the 2000s, ‘PCR’ tests were not as well understood as they are today, due to the COVID-19 pandemic! It is incredibly rewarding to know that my research has even a very small impact on the clinical management of P. aeruginosa.
I hope that my research will have an impact for people with CF in the future too, through the ‘PIPE-CF’ Strategic Research Centre. Our aim is to make the route for developing new medicines for CF lung infections clearer and quicker than it is at the moment. There are all types of drugs being developed and we would be ridiculously proud if we could support their development.
What have been your successes?
I am lucky that I do a job that lets me find out interesting things. It’s an amazing feeling when you get some data that really changes the way you think. I have had some fantastic science and clinical collaborators who have really supported me.
Working in research has also allowed me to travel to many different countries and develop networks of truly inspiring people. A memorable opportunity was being chosen to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Conference. One day I was having lunch with three Nobel Prize Winners who each made fundamental, field-changing discoveries. Not an everyday occurrence!
What about the challenges?
It’s never going to be easy having two young children and working in a demanding job. One of the challenges is that research is never finished. It’s hard to know how to develop a good work-life balance and I don’t always get it right. I’ve also experienced illness in an immediate family member. Those sorts of experiences really make you value health above everything else.
What advice would you give to girls and women considering a career in science?
If it interests you, go with it. Surround yourself with nice people and find a supportive mentor. I think (hope!) times are changing to allow more women to have a career in science. I was delighted the other day when my 5-year-old came home to say she’s been coding at school. Hopefully she’ll teach me a thing or two in years to come.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.
Your donations help us fund vital research. Donate today to help everyone with CF live a life unlimited.