Bright scientist takes on Parliamentary research

A TALENTED PhD student has been chosen to take part in a prestigious research scheme.

Dr Erin Cullen, a former pupil at Poynton High School, has joined the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) on a three-month postgraduate fellowship.

POST is an office of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and acts as Parliament’s in-house source of independent, balanced and accessible analysis of public policy issues, focused on science and technology.

Dr Cullen met with Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, following her appointment.

At their meeting, the bright scientist spoke to Mr Rutley about her experiences of the fellowship scheme and the POSTnote (a fourpage impartial briefing) she is working on, on the topic of the microbiome and human health.

In particular, the briefing focuses on how advances in technology and efficiency could enable scientists to manipulate these micro-organisms, helping to alleviate a range of medical conditions.

Following her studies at Poynton High School, Erin took an undergraduate degree course at the University of York, before earning a postgraduate doctoral position at the University of Cambridge, to study Plant Sciences.

Dr Cullen will return to Cambridge later this year, after completing the research programme, to continue her PhD studies.

Speaking after their meeting, Mr Rutley said, “It was great to meet Erin and to learn more about her impressive achievements. Her commitment to her studies and to scientific research should inspire many more local pupils to aim high and want to follow in her footsteps. I wish Erin every success in her time at POST, and with her future studies.”