Dr Shona Moore

Headshot of a person looking directly at the camera and smiling. She is wearing a light blue sleeveless top and a necklace.University of Liverpool

Twitter: @ShonaCMoore

 

Theme 2: Protective Immunity

I am researching T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2.


Why and when did you become interested in studying immunology?

During my studies in Applied Maths, I found Mathematical Biology. This led me to study Systems Biology to explore how I could further apply my computational and modelling skills. I became fascinated by the complexity of the immune system and when I first stepped into a laboratory, I found that I loved it!

 

What inspires you?

I’m a total data nerd so I’m driven by the data. I love the excitement of having new data to analyse and the anticipation of what it might tell me.

 

What are your challenges?

Juggling time between different projects and locations can be a challenge. Especially at the moment as I’m also training for an Ironman!

 

What skills have you gained from outside academia that you use in your research?

I bring my tenacity from endurance sport into my research!

 

What is your passion outside of research?

My passion is for the outdoors, I love any sport which gets me outside, particularly into the mountains.

 

What does your average week look like?

I don’t think I have an average week - that’s one of the things I love about my job!

 

What did 2020 mean to you?

2020 was a challenging but rewarding year. I learnt a lot personally, rapidly developed my skills, and contributed towards the national effort in understanding the immune response to SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccination. Being part of a huge network of researchers focused on one disease is so exciting and the collaborations that I have established will long outlast this pandemic.