Freya Harrison
What is your current role and what does a typical week look like?
I am currently Associate Professor (Reader) in Microbiology. I run a research group, and I spend most of my time working with my team to supervise and mentor them. This involves planning research, analysing results and shaping them into papers. I also teach undergraduates and I'm course director for the Biological Sciences BSc - this means that I look at what we're teaching and how we're teaching it, and ensure that we're offering a an up-to-date, cohesive and effective degree.
Nationality: UK
Which part of your role do you enjoy the most, and what are the biggest challenges?
I enjoy the social aspect of science. I like meeting and talking to people, co-creating new projects and using our different skills and knowledge to solve problems. The biggest challenge for me is staying on top of lots of different projects, and not taking on too much. Not having time to do hands-on science in the lab is also a challenge, and I am very much looking forward to my sabbatical when I'll get back into the lab as much as possible!
Which skills help you most in being able to perform your role?
Sheer bloody-mindedness and a refusal to give up in the face of failure are essential skills for a career in academic research.
What is your favourite place on campus and why?
I like jogging around the woodland.
Can you give an example of something that has made you feel part of the community while in Life Sciences, and what could be improved to enable this?
Generally being treated like a person by my colleagues. When things have been difficult, I've been helped.
What are your main interests or passions, outside of work?
I enjoy being creative - anything from embroidery and painting to DIY. I've also been involved in early medieval reenactment for a long time, and enjoy spending my weekends wielding a sword or spear.
August 2025