To mark last week’s International Clinical Trials Day, we had a quick chat with some of our team members, hearing about their different paths into the rich and varied world of clinical trials.
In this post we hear from Jo Gambell – Acting Head of Operations, Jiayao Lei – Research Fellow and Megan Goff – Trial Manager.
Jo Gambell
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in South East London, in Bromley, where I now live — even though when I left to go to university in Newcastle, I said I would never return to live near home!
Did you have a dream career growing up?
I really didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do as a career. I was good at languages and science at school, especially chemistry. I was encouraged by my dad to think about pharmacy or pharmacology as I had an interest in how new drugs and treatments were made. At one point I was also interested in physiotherapy, health and sports science (and still am!) but was discouraged at school because I wasn’t sporty.
What is your educational background?
I have a BSc in Food Science and Human Nutrition and am currently studying part time for a PGCert in Applied Health Sciences. Studying for my BSc didn’t come easy for me. It was a very demanding course with a lot of exams and I had to work very hard to keep up. I’m enjoying my PGCert so far as it is all coursework-based!
When did you start working in research, and what was your first role?
My first role in research was as part of my degree, as I did a year in industry. I was a Student Research Assistant at the MRC Human Nutrition Research Unit in Cambridge, and I worked on two clinical trials investigating dietary interventions for weight loss. After my degree finished, I returned to the MRC to work on similar studies as a Research Assistant. The year in industry made me determined to pursue a career in clinical trials. It fitted in with my logical, methodological approach to work, and of course my love of rules and processes. ?
Were there any obstacles along the way?
Not really, I’ve been really lucky to have had a lot of opportunities in my career to date. The only obstacle I would describe is taking a short term post working in research delivery, to gain some experience of how things work on the ground in the clinic. It was great experience but I realised very quickly I definitely wasn’t someone suited to working directly with patients.. so I was glad it was a short term contract and I could return to office-based work ‘behind the scenes’.
What is your current role?
I’m currently Acting Head of Operations for the Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, working with Prof Peter Sasieni to oversee the operations for the Unit. My main roles are oversight of trial progress, management, and oversight of teams and staff (both project-specific and core staff) — ensuring we adhere to all our financial requirements, and of course working up new projects for funding.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to be active, whether walking or running. I’m a long-standing member of parkrun, so you will always find me in a park somewhere running 5k on a Saturday morning. I also do a lot of volunteering for parkrun outside of work. I’m really passionate about helping people to get active in an inclusive way. I love live music and the theatre, especially musicals.
Jiayao Lei
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small city called Shaoguan, in the north of the southern coastal province of Guangdong, China. The city is surrounded by mountains and has a rich Hakka culture.
If you moved to the UK, when did you move & what drove you to move?
I moved to London in summer 2021, for the career development and research opportunities. I received a fellowship from the Swedish Research Council supporting me to undertake my current research at King’s. The UK is very diverse and has many exciting projects and global collaborations, which is something I wanted to become a part of. Of course, I also wanted to work with the excellent Cancer Prevention Group team! I enjoy metropolitan cities such as London, where I never run out of places to explore and things to do. The Chinese food here is also a real treat that makes me feel right at home!
Did you have a dream career growing up?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, as noted by my parents with a brochure from my kindergarten. As I grew older, I wanted a career that could create an impact for a broader population and would take me to different parts of the world — things I currently get to enjoy in my career.
What is your educational background?
I have a Medical Degree in Preventive Medicine from Sun Yat-sen University, China, and an MSc in Epidemiology from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. I also obtained a PhD in Epidemiology from Karolinska Institutet.
When did you start working in research, and what was your first role?
My research experience started when I was student. My first role was as a summer research intern working with patch clamp in electrophysiology, where I also fed a lot of drosophila (fruit flies) for experiments. Later, I transitioned from a wet lab to a dry lab, where my more official research work began: my doctoral studies in Epidemiology at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, working on cancer prevention.
Were there any obstacles along the way?
I guess so, but difficult to come up with an obvious example. Science and life are not always straightforward but this is the fun part. I always tell myself: be prepared and embrace the challenge!
What is your current role?
Currently, I am a visiting research fellow at the Cancer Prevention Group at King’s, where my research focuses on cervical cancer prevention. I am working on projects to evaluate and compare the cervical screening practices in Sweden, Denmark and the UK, using observational data. Additionally, my research includes assessing the effectiveness of the HPV vaccination program in Sweden.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy being in nature, whether it is going out for a walk, hiking or skiing during the winter months. I also like to shop (this may be one of the factors that drew me to London) and do photography. Nowadays, I spend a lot of my free time chasing my son in the parks, reading books and building Lego with him.
Megan Goff
Where did you grow up?
Fareham, Hampshire
Did you have a dream career growing up?
Many! I had always intended to work with animals (which I did for some time). As a child, I ultimately dreamed of becoming a vet.
What is your educational background?
Slightly unusual: I have a BSc (Hons) in Equine Studies (University of Portsmouth) and an MSc by Research in Clinical Veterinary Science (University of Bristol).
When did you start working in research, and what was your first role?
I first started working in ‘human’ research in 2017. My first role was as a Clinical Study Administrator at the University of Oxford, working on studies in knee injury and osteoarthritis risk. I then progressed to become a Trial Manager and worked on an interventional feasibility study investigating HRT for hand osteoarthritis in post-menopausal women, and an experimental medicine study looking at a novel treatment for hand osteoarthritis.
Were there any obstacles along the way?
I didn’t find it too difficult to get my first role in research, but there is SO much to learn: even now after 6 years of working in trials I am learning new things all the time. Navigating through all the various guidance can be challenging, and sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues is key.
What is your current role?
I am the Trial Manager for the YORKSURe trial, which is a feasibility study investigating the potential for urine screening for the early diagnosis of bladder cancer in Yorkshire.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m lucky enough have a horse which takes up most of my free time. I am happiest spending time outdoors enjoying the countryside.