Ruth Travis

PhD student Ruth Travis Postdoctoral epidemiologist Cancer Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford

What subjects did you enjoy at school?

A real mixture of subjects from the Arts and Sciences. In my last years at school the subjects I enjoyed the most were Biology and Art.

What qualifications do you have?

A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Art.
Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University (3 years). I majored in Biological Anthropology, which looks at why all humans are different and how this affects disease.
Masters of Science in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (1 year).
PhD at the University of Oxford in Cancer Epidemiology (3 and a half years). During this time, I was training to be a researcher and I was paid a small wage.

What inspired you to get into science?

Sciences at school always interested me - I can remember being fascinated when biology teachers tried to explain how complicated our bodies actually were. It seemed amazing that such complex systems could ever actually work and made me want to work in an area connected with understanding what goes wrong when we are ill, and how it can be fixed or prevented.

What is your position now? Day-to-day, what does it involve?

I am a postdoctoral epidemiologist at Cancer Research UK's Epidemiology Unit in Oxford. I am investigating links between lifestyle, diet, hormones and risk for breast and prostate cancer.

My work involves designing studies, preparing reports and conducting statistical analyses, as well as meetings to brainstorm with colleagues about the best way to conduct studies and present results.

It involves a fair bit of computer work. I sometimes feel like a jack of all trades, working with statisticians and laboratory staff, as well as other epidemiologists.

How did you become interested in cancer research?

My studies made me realise that the chance of getting cancer is influenced by many different factors. Understanding these ‘risk factors’ is important if we are to find ways to stop this disease. We still have a lot to learn about how our lifestyle and behaviour alter our chances of getting cancer.

Have you ever worked abroad?

Yes ” As a PhD student, I was encouraged to travel to courses and conferences abroad. This is so we can learn about other researcher’s work and talk to them about our own work.

Now, as a postdoc, I work closely with other researchers in Europe and the USA and have lots of opportunities to travel to meetings, courses and conferences, both to present our work and to hear about findings from other researchers.

What are the best and worst things about being a PhD student?

Best things

Having the freedom to spend time researching a subject you really enjoy.
Being part of a wider research team involving people from many different backgrounds.
You learn a lot from doing your own research. But being surrounded by experts all conducting their own studies teaches you much more. You can rely on them for help when needed and often become involved in their projects too.
The opportunity to contribute something not only to science but also to public health - knowing that the things you discover could ultimately have real impact on people's health.

Worst thing

Not having more hours in the day to work on all the interesting projects going on in the department
The pay could be better - it's good for the academic world, but nat as high as it would be if you were medically trained. But the fascinating work, intelligent and motivated colleagues, plus the relatively stress-free lifestyle and flexible working hours do compensate for the low pay!

What qualities do you think it takes to be a good postdoc?

Enthusiasm and a persistent and patient nature are very helpful. Research takes time and things don't always go smoothly.

A persistent and patient nature is very helpful. Research takes time and things don’t always go smoothly.

Do you have any advice for young people who are interested in getting into science?

Science leads to many different jobs and lifestyles ” from medicine or laboratory science to research planning and scientific journalism.

This can sometimes make it difficult to decide what to study and which job you would ultimately like to do.

Talk to a range of people involved in different areas of science to find out about their work and their lifestyles. This will help you decide what interests you most.