Profile
Jo Montgomery
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About Me:
I’m a scientist and teacher in Cambridge. I have a bit of a patchwork career as I like to combine my different skills and interests – so I work with scientists, teachers and children and young people to share the wonders of science. Outside of work I like spending time in nature, and baking and eating cake!
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I have always been interested in science from a very young age – you could usually find me up to my ears in mud in the garden searching for worms, snails and woodlice – or climbing trees! I also loved reading, writing stories, food and art and craft. That interest in animals grew into a career and the other things come in handy too!
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My pronouns are:
She/her
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My Work:
I’m a neurobiologist (finding out about animals and brains!), a science trainer, and a teacher.
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I have a background in neurobiology and behaviour – what’s going on in the brain in animals and the different behaviours they perform, with a special interest in captive zoo and farm animals. I’ve worked with mice, seals, fish and other sea life, pigs and sheep – and children!
I’m also a qualified teacher, and have taught science at primary and secondary school, lectured university students and now I have a couple of jobs: I train research scientists in how to do be scientists and I also teach science to primary school children and support and train teachers.
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My Typical Day:
I don’t really have a typical day, as I juggle a few different projects, but I always start my day with a cup of the and slice of toast (preferably with homemade marmalade!). I might work from home, be in a school or at the research institute.
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My days usually involve checking emails, arranging training, writing and developing lessons or training courses – and actual teaching. The time I get home varies, and sometimes I run twilight courses so I might work later but I have a lot of flexibility in my hours, so I might go for a walk in the afternoon.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use it to fund fun and engaging, hands-on science workshops for primary schools!
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Education:
I went to school in Essex and Norfolk. I studied Biology, Chemistry, French, and Latin at A level (I’ve always liked to mix up my interests!). Originally I wanted to be a medical doctor, but realised that whilst I was interested in the science, I didn’t much want to work with patients, so I went to University to study Biology and Biochemistry. During my time at university, we got to do lots of experiments and research projects – I even got a summer scholarship to work on some projects with seals – and I was hooked! I went on to do a PhD at The University of Cambridge, investigating differences in behaviour and what’s going on in the brain in different pigs. I used this foundation to move onto a postdoctoral project looking at the brain and reproductive system in sheep. When I had my children, I decided to work part time and moved into the pharmaceutical industry where I worked on preclinical development and clinical trials of new medicines. During my career, I had always been involved in public engagement and science communication – talking to the public, children, students and families about science, and jumped at the chance to combine my interests in a role for STEM Ambassadors in a pharmaceutical company, linking the two worlds. After many years working in informal education, I trained as a teacher and taught in a primary school, before moving into just teaching primary science, supporting teachers and also training scientists.
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Qualifications:
I have 10 GCSEs, the equivalent of grade 8s and 9s today.
I have 4 A levels – As and Bs, but a D in chemistry! Something clearly went wrong but I was still able to be successful! There is no wrong path and we can always move on from our mistakes!
I have a degree (BSc) in Biology and Biochemistry (with a subsidiary in French, because I can’t let go of multi-tasking!)
I have a PhD in Neurobiology and also Qualified Teacher Status.
I also have diplomas in swimming teaching and in post compulsory professional development/training – I’m a life long learner!
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Work History:
My career is much more of a winding road that a straight path! I think it’s important to look left and right as we go through life, and to jump at opportunities that present themselves along the way!
Here’s a list of some of the things I’ve done:
Bar staff
Lifeguard
Aquarist (looking after fish, octopus, and seals!)
Animal care assistant at vets
Research Scientist
Accounts/finance assistant!
Swimming teacher
Preclinical development and clinical trials assistant
Ambassador scheme/outreach coordinator (organising others)
Teacher
Trainer
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Current Job:
- Training Developer for Research Institute
- Science teacher and trainer
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Employer:
- The Babraham Institute
- Dr Jo Science Solutions
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
multi-tasking curious scientist
What did you want to be after you left school?
A doctor
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No, I was too scared! My parents were teachers so it would be double trouble!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Another career where you could be curious and find things out - maybe an archaeologist
Who is your favourite singer or band?
I love a bit of cheesey music, like ABBA or Take That!
What's your favourite food?
Lasagne
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To be healthy, to be surrounded by family and to go on more holidays!
Tell us a joke.
A photon checks into an hotel and the receptionist asks if they have any bags. The photon replies, "No, I'm travelling light!".
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