Clifton Scientific Trust Alumni Page

Name: Lizzy Martin

Workshop Attended: Kyoto 2013

Project: Polymeric Materials

Lizzie works as a consultant in Atmospheric Chemistry for Olfasense, following the completion of her PhD at the University of Cambridge. Lizzies PhD Thesis was titled "A methodological framework to assess multi-pollutant personal air quality exposure for improved health associations". Lizzie completed a MSci in Chemistry at UCL prior to this where she gained a First Class Honours. Lizzie has previously worked for the Institute of Manufacturing as well as working as a researcher of air quality around the City of Cambridge. Lizzie is also an exceptional violinist, holding a grade 8 qualification and being a past member of Cambridge University Symphonia and the Magdalene College Choir.

Name: Sam Lebbon

Workshop Attended: Kyoto 2013

Project: Exploring Developmental Mechanisms in Zebrafish

Sam Lebbon is currently the Head of Biology at Framlingham College, where he has been since 2023. Sam studied a BSc Biology at the University of Derby where he gained the Achievement in Biosciences Prize from Oxford University Press for the highest overall score in Biosciences. Sam has completed research in Mallorca where he studied the distribution of rare orchid species, and in the Maldives where he wrote a paper on the interaction of Parrotfish with corals linked to coral health. Sam served two full terms on the University of Derby Academic Board and has spoken twice to Parliament on issues relating to science, including speaking on behalf of the Royal Society of Biology to the Science and Technology select committee in Portcullis House.

Sam writes: 

My time in Japan certainly had a significant impact on my studies and career. Previously I was caught between studying History or Biology at University, but working in the exceptional laboratories of Kyoto University showed me this is where I wanted to be. It led to me going on to take a degree in Biology and subsequently travel further in my research. I now work with students to help inspire them to study biology and was delighted that 11 of my 15 Year 13 students went on to study a Biology related degree last year. I went back to Japan in 2023, travelling to Tokyo, Sendai, Fukushima and Iwaki, and hope to go again in the near future.

Name: Anna Sayers

Workshop Attended: Kyoto 2013

Project: Storage Batteries

Anna Sayers works as a Senior Associate at Advent International. Anna studied at Imperial College London (MSci Physics) where she was the Presidents Scholar and Deans List graduate. Anna has also worked for PwC and Greenhill and Co where she worked in Assurance and Banking. 

Name: Neal Dodge

Workshop Attended: Cambridge 2012 & Kyoto 2013

Project: DNA as a material (Cambridge) and Microscale Separation of Biorelated Materials (Kyoto)

Neal works as Senior Planning & Controls Consultant at Th3rdcurve, following 7 years as planning manager at Transport for London where Neal worked on projects including the £1.2bn Northern Line Extension. Neal has also worked for Hitachi Rail, where he worked on £4Bn+ National Train Control Systems Framework. In his spare time, Neal is also the National Secretary for the Young Railway Professionals organisation and is a member of the City of London.

Neal writes:

Taking part in the Japan-UK Science Exchange Programme run by the Clifton Scientific Trust was a transformative experience both culturally and academically. Participating in the 2012 programme in Cambridge and the 2013 programme in Kyoto gave me a unique opportunity to collaborate on science projects, develop national and international friendships, and immerse myself in an entirely different culture.

In Cambridge, I was introduced to a level of scientific inquiry and teamwork that I had never experienced before. Working with Japanese and UK students alike, as well as real scientists, was not only inspiring but also taught me the importance of creativity and collaboration in tackling real-world problems. I learned how to communicate complex ideas across cultural and language barriers, teaching me skills that I continue to use today. How charming it was to share the history of the prestigious University & ancient city of Cambridge with the Japanese students.

However, it was the Kyoto programme in 2013 that truly broadened my horizons. Traveling to Japan was an amazing experience, one that I will never forget. From exploring Japan’s rich culture and traditions to experiencing Kyoto University’s cutting-edge science firsthand, every moment was eye-opening. Collaborating with Japanese students and scientists in their home country gave me a deeper appreciation of their approach to teamwork and problem-solving.

Beyond the science, the programme offered unforgettable cultural experience; staying in traditional Japanese accommodation, trying authentic Japanese cuisine, and visiting iconic landmarks like old imperial palace in Kyoto and Tōdai-ji temple in Nara. These experiences taught me the importance of cultural exchange and how much we can learn from one another.

The Japan-UK Science Exchange Programme has been so much more than a science opportunity. It gave me the skills to work in diverse teams, and the inspiration to think globally. I am incredibly grateful to the Clifton Scientific Trust for organising such a life-changing programme, and I would encourage any student with a passion for science and discovery to take part.

Name: Megan Griffiths

Workshop Attended: Kyoto 2013

Project: Exploring Developmental Mechanisms in Zebrafish

Megan gained her first class honors BSc (Biological Sciences) from the University of Exeter where she was a committee member and volunteer for Natural England and the Wildlife Trust. Megan gained the Deans Commendation for her exceptional marks in her overall score. Whilst at Exeter, Megan conducted research in the Bahamas and her final thesis followed her work in Japan as it investigated the effects of bisphenol A on zebrafish reproduction. This team project led to a short publication for the FSBI 50th Anniversary conference (2017) and SETAC conference in Rome (2018). Following this, Megan attended the University of Copenhagen where she completed a MSc in Environmental Science (Chemistry, Toxicology and Health). Megan spent two months studying Arctic environmental toxicology at the University Centre in Svalbard, where she also attended the 7th Norwegian Environmental Toxicology Symposium. Megan currently works as a Regulatory Ecotoxicologist at Ricardo Plc

Name: Harpreet Virdee

Workshop Attended: Kyoto 2013

Project: Microscale Separation of Biorelated Materials

Harpreet studied at the University of Kingston where he gained a First Class Honours MPharm in Pharmacy. He went on to study at the University of East Anglia (UEA) for his independent prescribing qualification. Harpreet has spent time as a Clinical Trials Pharmacist for St Pancreas clinical research. Since 2022, Harpreet owns and runs his own central London pharmacy, Kings Pharmacy, along with his brother.

Name: Stephen Riggs

Workshop Attended: Kyoto 2013

Project: Maxima and Minima

Stephen works as a Data Analysis Scientist for Cryo-EM at the electron bio-imaging centre (eBIC) in Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron and electron microscope facility. He develops software to automate the processing of data from electron microscopes and support the needs of facility staff. Prior to this, Stephen attended the University of Oxford where he gained a MPhys (Physics), then moved to the University of Sussex where he did a PhD in Astronomy. His research explored the distribution and grouping of galaxies, using simulations and data from galaxy surveys.

Stephen writes:

I really enjoyed my visit to Japan, both for the chance to get to know the Japanese students and culture, and for the science. It was the first experience I had of working collaboratively with people from another culture and of a research environment. This helped me to decide that I wanted to work in research, and since then I have followed that ambition. While I haven’t been back to Japan since the workshop, I am keen to do so again in the future.

Name: Amy Ringrose

Workshop Attended: Nagoya 2016

Project: Medical Sciences

Since undertaking the workshop, Amy has earned a BA in Global Health and Social Medicine from King’s College London, making her the first in her family to attend University. Inspired by the internationality of the UK-Japan Workshop, Amy opted to study on a year-long Exchange at the University of Melbourne in Australia as part of her course, learning about health sciences while experiencing a different culture and making lifelong connections with people from all around the world. Following her graduation, she went on to study at Imperial College London, completing an MSc in Science Communication in the class of 2024.

She has since worked in the BBC Audio Science Unit creating radio programmes for BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service, and she has been part of the Communications team at the British Antarctic Survey where she worked closely with Scientists and Operations experts as well as national and international press outlets to communicate all things Polar. As a creative as much as a scientist, Amy’s science communication activities have include becoming a published poet, documentary filmmaker and freelance journalist as well as a web editor, event host, and presenter. 

In 2024, Amy was appointed as a Trustee for the Clifton Scientific Trust and is currently working on documenting the Trust’s activities by using her skills in communicating the sciences to create multimedia content. 

Amy writes:

“As a student from a state school in East London, being able to study in Japan was something I never imagined would be a possibility. With the support of the Clifton Scientific Trust and its wonderful team, it wasn’t just a week-long programme, it was – unbeknownst to me at the time – the first step in my academic journey, as well as my growth as a global citizen.

I’d always intended to pursue science communication as a career, but the workshop with Clifton was what really cemented that decision in my mind. Understanding the roles of different stakeholders, communicating with people who speak a different language, collaborating with others who were different to myself – they’re all skills that are vital to science communication. Not only seeing those things in action, but being able to experience them, to delve into new ideas with the intention of being challenged; it was where I first felt truly excited about the prospects of studying at university level. 

Coincidentally, after studying medical sciences for the workshop, my specialism is now in health, and I’ve had the privilege of working in some amazing places using the skills I’d begun to develop in Japan. It was Clifton that planted the seed for me, and now it’s growing into something more than I can ever thank them for, which is why I wanted to get involved after my time in Higher Education. I want to offer the same experiences, the same opportunities, to school-age students like me. The Trust is in a position where it can make such a difference to British and Japanese students alike - shaping the next generation of curious, collaborative, and exceptional scientific minds for the better.”

Name: Anand Pal Mitra

Workshop Attended: Kyoto 2013

Project: Exploring Developmental Mechanisms in Zebrafish

Anand studied at the University of Kent and UCL where he gained his pharmacy qualification. He now works as a pharmacist.

Anand retains a love for Japan and is due to visit in December 2024.

Name: Jordan Charlesworth

Workshop Attended: Cambridge 2012

Project: 

Jordan completed his BSc Biomedical Sciences at Durham where he graduated with first class honours. Jordan was awarded the Baulter Prize for achieving the highest grade across both Biological and Biomedical Sciences cohorts for the workshop module. Jordan's work in this module was on Biological imaging in relation to characterizing the nuclear envelope, cytoskeleton and the plant cell cycle. Jordan used SEM, TEM and confocal microscopy. Jordan was also awarded the undergraduate prize by British Society of Immunology. Jordan then completed an MSc in Integrated Immunology. Jordan has served various research roles at Durham, Oxford and the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review. Jordan now works as a Program Manager for the UK Health Security Agency COVID-19 Therapeutics Programme as well as providing scientific secretariat for the government advisory committee APRHAI and the 4 Nations Human Surveillance Group within the UKHSA AMR Programme.