Katerina

Biochemistry, 4th Year

Katerina is pictured in the MCR with their real-life Teddy.

In my last year of high school in Kuwait, I was preparing applications for universities in the States. The UK, let alone Oxford had not crossed my mind. Luckily, I had a very supportive sixth form coordinator who pulled me aside and told me to shoot my shot and apply to Oxford. Fast forward four years and I am the first person from my school to graduate from Oxford!

I am currently doing my master’s research project in Biochemistry in membraneless organelles, but I am thinking of moving to cancer immunotherapy in the future. Women are generally underrepresented in the academic world of Biochemistry- most of my tutors and lecturers have been male. However, within the student body I have known, there has consistently been at a 50/50 split between men and women– so hopefully things will change in the next decade.

Once I graduate, just for the moment, I am thinking of taking a post-uni gap year. I finally need some time away from a computer and desk!

Teddy Hall has one of the friendliest communities of any college I have seen in my time here. In Teddy, I have been very lucky to be part of the JCR and MCR committees as well Teddy Hall drama society. Everyone I have met has been so lovely and supportive- it is like a home away from home. My favourite memory must be Oxmas dinner 2021, standing on chairs and (drunkenly) singing “O come all ye faithful” with other members of the MCR.

What do you think when you hear ‘Women of the Hall’?

As Women’s Officer for the MCR I have been extremely lucky to be able to immerse myself in the incredible community of women that we have at Teddy. They are all extremely supportive, friendly and talented and I will miss them dreadfully when I leave.

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