What is your favourite enzyme, and why? 

Can I have two? 

First, Cyp46 A1- it’s a neuron-specific cholesterol hydroxylase that’s involved in cholesterol turnover. I would basically say any cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme! 

 

What is your favourite book? 

That one’s a tough one! 

Some Dostoyevsky or Gogol classic- I could read them over and over again. 

 

What is the most recent book you’ve read? 

Citizen Plus- it’s a non-violent mystery novel by Donna Andrews. 

 

What is your favourite amino acid, and why? 

None- only lipids count! Cholesterol! 

 

What are some of your hobbies? 

Gardening, but only vegetables- the rest doesn’t grow. I also like cycling and beng outside, as well as a few crafty things. 

 

What is your dream vacation? 

Something going north, probably canoeing or cycling. 

 

What is the coolest project you’ve ever worked on? 

It’s always the one I’m working on at the moment, otherwise it’s just nostalgia for something in the past. 

 

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in lab? 

I melted an agarose tray- I let it run for so long that it warped. 

 

Do you have any advice or anything else you want to say? 

Go lipids go! Lipids rule! 

Actually, I would say something I heard from Melanie Dobson: you can only be you, so do your personal best and don’t compare yourself to others.