Elisa Martin Perez is postgraduate research student in the School’s Institute for Bioengineering where she is currently completing a Masters by Research (MScR) in Bioengineering.

Having gained a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Glasgow, Elisa is now working on a research project investigating drug-induced liver injury (DILI)—a common cause of acute liver failure. She is currently working with the POR gene to obtain a modified human liver cell line as a model for improved drug testing.

Having gained a core background in biology, Elisa decided to expand her research interests and pursue a multidisciplinary career in both biological science and engineering, drawing on the perspectives and strengths of both fields. Outside of academia, Elisa is a member of the postgraduate Women in Science Committee at the University of Edinburgh, and has previously volunteered for the Anthony Nolan charity, which houses the stem cell donation register for the United Kingdom.

Here, Elisa shares her career inspiration, insights into her academic journey so far, and advice for aspiring women engineers.