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Dr Katie Groom Dr Katie Groomwas born and brought up in the United Kingdom and completed her medical degree and basic training there. She met and married a Kiwi in the early 2000s and moved to New Zealand to start their family. Dr Groom has been working as a clinical academic at the University of Auckland and National Women’s Health, Auckland City Hospital for more than 10 years. In her clinical practice she is a maternal fetal medicine specialist, and her research focuses on clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of the major complications of pregnancy. Since 2018, she has been the Hugo Charitable Trust Fellow at the Liggins Institute. What qualities do you think you need to have to be a researcher? “An inquisitive mind is essential, but I also think determination and perseverance are important too.” How do you approach challenges in your work as a researcher? “There is always a way. It may not be the first route that you plan but if you believe in it you can make it happen. I am lucky to work with a great team and we are able to work together to overcome challenges.” Ms Laverne Robilliard Laverne Robilliard is a PhD student at the University of Auckland, based at the Centre for Brain Research. Laverne completed her BSc in Biomedical Sciences in 2016 and then followed this up with an Honours degree in neuroscience and immunology. Her current research is focused on understanding a highly aggressive brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme. Laverne has always been interested in cancer research and has been incredibly fortunate to have found her research niche in a field that she is very passionate for. What advice would you offer young people (specifically females) looking to start a career in science? “It may seem hard in the moment, but anything is possible if you put your mind to it. A career in science needs a lot of dedication but is incredibly rewarding. I would advise anyone to find an area they are passionate about and a supervisor that will support and build their research.” Women in Science: Auckland 13 February 5.30 – 7.30 pm Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place For more information and to get a ticket please visit wis2020-auckland.lilregie. com or call our head office at 0508 BRAINS (0508 272 467). 8 Headlines