Dr Superbugs is off to Antarctica
Kirsty’s taking the trip of a lifetime
A superbug researcher is one of three women in Scotland set to take on a year- long programme in Antarctica.
Dr Kirsty Robb, 35, from Girvan, is gearing up for January next year when she will set sail on the most adventurous journey in her career to date.
Currently working in the fight against superbugs, Kirsty will join others across the globe as part of Homeward Bound – a ground breaking initiative and outreach for women in science.
The initiative aims to heighten the impact of women with a science background in order to influence policy and decision making as it shapes the planet.
Known as the Protein Queen in her action against superbugs, Kirsty said: “I feel very proud of myself to get to this stage.
“I didn’t think I would get anywhere with my application, but I have been through three rounds of application reviews and I am down to the 80 strong group – with only three from Scotland – who will be going on the expedition in January 2019.
“The whole thing is focused on leadership, strategy, building relationships and problem solving.
“I am bursting with excitement and being Antarctica, with me being the outdoors type, it is a great big tick on the bucket list.
As well as being an experienced mountaineer and Mountain Leader, qualified to guide people in the Highlands of Scotland, Kirsty is now a Post- Doctoral researcher at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science ( SIPBS).
She added: “I am very excited at hearing what other women from around the world have to say on a whole diverse range of things.
“One of the main reasons we are going to Antarctica is about climate change and how it affects us all.
“It will be the summer when we are there, but it will still be temperatures of between zero and - 15 degrees, so it will be really challenging when we are on land. It will, without doubt, be one of the highlights of my career and I think it will change my life.”
Kirsty is currently in the process of raising £ 14,000 to help her take part in the expedition of the Homeward Bound ship in January 2019.
If you would like to donate or find out about gifts and merchandise available to help her cause please visit www. gofundme. com/ KirstyTeamHB2019.