Profile
Ana Cruz
My CV
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Education:
IGCSE-AICE diploma – Braga International School, Portugal
University degree (BSc) – University of Reading, UK
Masters degree (MRes) – University of Reading, UK
Postgraduate course – University of Minho, Portugal
PhD – University of Exeter, UK -
Qualifications:
Cambridge IGCSEs
Cambridge AICE Diploma
Bachelors of Science (BSc Honors)
Masters in Research (MRes)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Learning and Teaching at Higher Education (LTHE) -
Work History:
During my University degree I worked at a specialist running shop at the weekends to earn some spending money for my hobbies. Before and during then I did a lot of unpaid work (volunteering) which really helped shape me as a person and help my chances of getting a job.
During my PhD I also worked as a research technician to help support ongoing work from my research team while I was working on my doctoral thesis.
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Current Job:
Now I work as a research scientist at the University of Exeter Medical School
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About Me:
I’m Ana, a Portuguese keen bean who really loves science. When I’m not in the lab, I love exercising, crocheting and cooking.
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I was born in a beautiful small town called Braga, in Portugal π΅πΉ . Now I live in Exeter and work at the University as a scientist π₯Όπ©πΌβπ¬. I love being in the lab discovering new things almost every day. I recently got into powerlifting (trying really hard to lift some heavy weights) but also really enjoy going to group exercise classes and running around with my friends ππΌββοΈ. Cooking is another of my favourite hobbies. I like making traditional Portuguese dishes and trying new cuisines. Spending a Saturday making a mess of my kitchen is one of my favourite things to do π₯π₯! I love dogs (cats not so much) and nice long Nature walks π. My favourite holiday is going home to see my family, back to sunny Portugal (and I never miss the English weather when I am away) βοΈπ€ .
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I am very passionate about helping people. When I was little I thought I wanted to be a doctor, because I liked helping people so much and learning new things. When I went to Univerisity I decide to not study Medicine (which would have made me a medical doctor) and instead chose to become a scientist. This way I get to learn about how the body works and different ways to treat disease even before medical doctors know (and because I have a PhD I am also a doctor, just a different type).
I especially want to understand how our bodies use all the energy we get from food and exercise. I really like lifting heavy weights so I want to understand how our muscles stay so healthy and strong throughout our lives. I also know that as we get older our muscles are not as strong and want to understand why to make sure one day I can find a way for my nan and grandad to run around like they did when they were younger.
Age is one thing that can change your muscles but its not the only one. If you have diabetes, which is a condition that makes your blood sugars change a lot during the day in an unpredictable way, your muscles also change. They sometimes don’t recognise sugar as energy so your blood sugars get even more unpredictable! This is one way people with diabetes can get very ill. I want to find a way to make these muscles stronger and healthier and help people with diabetes live healthier lives.
We think we look cool!
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, charismatic and friendly
What did you want to be after you left school?
Someone who could help people but I wasn't sure what that was going to be
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I was in trouble once for not reading my assigned Portuguese literature books! I love reading but at the time that heavier literature was a bit much (not quite as cool as science fiction)!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
No favourites but brazilian funk music always makes me smile and dance
What's your favourite food?
Anything cooked by the women that brought me up :)
Tell us a joke.
"Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field"
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