Vanessa Woods

Biomedicine and biotechnology scientist

I study tiny blood cells called platelets. In the body there are 3 types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. We need all of them to survive
but sometimes people get sick because one or all of them don’t work properly.

My PhD project focuses on making ‘superhero’ platelets that have special proteins as their superpower to help people fight infections. I chose this project because I liked the idea of using something already in our bodies and improving it for health.

I believe that you should never stop questioning everything because curiosity leads to discovery, and science is the best way for me to achieve that. That is also why I travelled all the way from my tiny island of Jamaica half-way around the world to Germany so that I could follow my passion.

Remember that your dreams have no borders so follow them wherever they lead you!

I hope that after I have finished my PhD you will be able to read about my work and the positive impact it has made.

Vanessa is our Clever Cells box champion.