Michael Potter

Background

About Michael Potter

I am a creative and versatile biomedical science researcher and science communicator with 5 years of research experience in a highly multidisciplinary and international research environment. I am interested in how science and research can be used to solve issues across society, particularly public health. This is demonstrated by the focus of my PhD which has been on nanomaterial-based solutions for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a pressing public health issue. Aiming to tackle this real-world issue has been really inspiring and I found the process of formulating a project through to reporting the final solution highly motivating. I have developed a breadth of transferable skills through management of my research including experimental planning and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and communication of key results in both written and verbal formats. However, I have also endeavoured to expand my skill set outside technical research. Most recently, this included securing a position on a competitive internship scheme at the UK Parliament Office of Science and Technology where I was tasked with preparing a research briefing for UK parliamentarians on an area outside my specialism. From this I gained confidence working with various stakeholders in a professional environment to deliver a research briefing to UK parliamentarians on a topic outside my area of expertise. I enjoyed this chance to adapt to an unfamiliar role and I was able to advance my writing and editing skills with a non-specialist audience in mind. Overall, I approach my work with a real curiosity and critical eye in pursuit of delivering high quality outcomes, am a strong communicator, project manager and thrive working in a team. Ultimately, I am looking for a career in which I can stay connected with biomedical science research, utilise my strong communication skills and which allows me to think critically and creatively.