Hello everyone!

I want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who asked questions and voted in the Genes zone! I have had such a fantastic time taking part in I’m a scientist! Get me out of here! and am even more thrilled to have
been voted the winner! The other scientists in the zone were so fantastic, I still can’t believe that you voted for me to win – so thanks very much!

I am an Arthritis Research UK funded scientist, and my work focuses on genetic changes to proteins in the blood (the Complement proteins) that can be associated with different types of Arthritis. I am trying to work out what effect a genetic change has on the way that the innate immune response works, and how this can be involved in autoimmune diseases (like Arthritis).

The questions that you guys asked were fab – they really got me thinking! The live chats were so much fun and I was especially flattered by all of the specific questions directed at me and my work. I really enjoyed talking in the chats about why we should try to prevent diseases, rather than focusing on curing them and I especially liked all of the questions about the immune system.

I’m really looking forward to spending the prize money – I have promised to design and print posters for the schools taking part, featuring some of the most interesting questions. This should remind you of all the fun that you had taking part and also help you remember some of the interesting facts that you learnt! I will also be donating money to a charity called “Jeans for Genes” who fund research and care into rare genetic disorders. They also provide educational resources to help educate on genetic disorders: www.genesareus.org I have supported this charity for over 10 years and I am sure they will be over the moon with the donation.

Thanks again to everyone who took part and voted – Don’t forget to take part in the next event! It couldn’t happen without you!

Jo