This week we would like to introduce three more of our team members; Harriet (Operations Manager for Compliance), Simranjit ‘Sim’ (Clinical Project Manager for the NHS-Galleri trial) and James (Participant Pathway Navigator).
Let’s take a glance into each of their paths into the world of clinical trials…
Harriet Gilbert-Jones
Where did you grow up?
In a small town called St. Columb Major, in Cornwall. It’s very close to Newquay, which is probably the most well-known Cornish town!
Did you have a dream career growing up?
Yes, though more than one. I first wanted to be a comedian but pretty quickly realised I wasn’t very funny!…Then I wanted to be a journalist/writer.
What is your educational background?
I went to mixed, state primary and secondary schools, followed by university where I studied Broadcast Journalism. However, I dropped out of uni midway through my second year.
When did you start working in research, and what was your first role?
In 2010, I started as a Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA) for the Yorkshire Cancer Research Network Team in York.
Were there any obstacles along the way?
Many but, in some ways, also none… As you can probably tell, I don’t have a scientific background, nor any original plans to work in the field or research or any other sciences. At university, I became very apathetic about my chosen studies, and ultimately a bit lost about what I wanted to do, and so decided to halt for a year to work and get some ‘real world’ experience. I ended up working as an admin assistant in the NHS, and then found an interesting-sounding role in clinical trials as a CTA at York Hospital. I applied and was unsuccessful, until the successful candidate dropped out of the post after a month, and I got called back and offered the role. I essentially ‘fell’ into clinical research, loved it, and haven’t looked back since.
What is your current role?
Operations Manager for Compliance at King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love gardening – it’s moved from an occasional hobby growing a couple of pot plants to a big part of my life. I also properly love TV – I’m always on the lookout for new shows to watch, and I’m a bit podcast mad too, at the moment.
Simranjit Mehta
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Ilford, East London. In fact I have always lived in London — I opted to study within London for university (and keep the comforts of living at home), so have never left!
Did you have a dream career growing up?
I never had a dream career per se. I was quite inquisitive as a child, and always trying to work out the reasoning and rationales behind things in life. This translated itself quite obviously into a lot of ‘why’ questions about most things growing up.
I was more into the sciences at school, and in Sixth Form was considering doing Medicine. However, I then realised quite how much of a commitment and challenge this would be.
What is your educational background?
I decided to study Biomedical Sciences for my undergraduate degree. I then realised my natural skillset is more people-oriented (rather than suited to being in a lab all day), and so changed tack a little. I studied for a Masters in Drug Discovery, which was actually at King’s – in the very same building we now work in! It’s nice to think that this is where it all started.
When did you start working in research, and what was your first role?
My first official exposure to the world of research was via a placement with GlaxoSmithKline, for my Masters. In this, I was supporting a PhD student and completing research for my MSc dissertation, looking at optimisation of existing drugs for treating cystic fibrosis.
My first job in research was at Moorfield’s Eye Hospital, working as a study coordinator. While I liked the role, I realised it wasn’t quite the right fit, and also not the therapeutic area I was most interested in. I therefore joined Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Trust, working as a clinical trial coordinator. It was here that I began to build real experience in clinical trials.
Were there any obstacles along the way?
I would say an ongoing obstacle for many people is a common lack of diversity in very senior groups in research. I personally feel this is something important for me to help chip away at — by getting into these roles, I can help build better representation for people from minority backgrounds.
What is your current role?
I am the Clinical Project Manager for the NHS-Galleri trial. A core feature of this is oversight of the trial itself: monitoring what is happening on the trial; checking recruitment and retention targets are being met; ensuring the trial is delivered in accordance with all governance and regulations.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to explore London through different cuisines (and am currently very into Korean food!). Otherwise, I mostly enjoy fairly standard day-to-day activities. It is always fun to be a tourist in London from time to time, too: it’s a great way to discover new parts of the city you would otherwise never have noticed.
James Aroloye
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in East London.
Did you have a dream career growing up?
Growing up, I was determined I would be a songwriter. However, that was forgotten once I turned 18 – my interests changed and I wanted to try other things.
What is your educational background?
I have a Diploma in Business Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
When did you start working in research, and what was your first role?
My first experience in research was working at King’s College Hospital, as an administrator within the Endoscopy Unit. My responsibilities included booking a variety of patients for procedures linked to eligible clinical research trials. This led to me joining the Cancer Prevention Trials Unit on the NHS-Galleri Trial, as Participant Pathway Navigator. This involves contacting participants to ensure they have been contacted by their local NHS trust for an appointment.
Were there any obstacles along the way?
One of the main challenges was studying part-time alongside a full-time job.
What is your current role?
I work as the Participant Pathway Navigator with the NHS-Galleri trial.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love travel, film and TV, and also music (and attending live music events).