Tracy Young

Tracy Young
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (2013)
PhD at Glasgow University

A white-coated army of Heriot-Watt alumni wage a quiet and unassuming microscopic war on behalf of humanity every day in laboratories all over the world and we should salute them.

Tracy Young, for example - who graduated in 2013 with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (Human Health) - has since worked in blood diagnostics for Quotient in Switzerland and on the research and development of new and improved treatments for cystic fibrosis and a variety of fungal infections for clinical-stage biotech, NovaBiotics Ltd based in Aberdeen.

“Working directly with pathogens and contributing to exciting research are the parts of the job that I enjoy the most,” says Tracy. “In research there is always the possibility that something may not work and I relish the challenge of figuring out which variables could be significant and which things should be changed to achieve an end result. It's really rewarding.”

Tracy (25) developed her scientific specialisms – leading to a PhD and fulfilling career - thanks to the flexibility of her Heriot-Watt Biological Science degree. With biology at its core, the bespoke degree offers additional human health and wellbeing topics giving students the chance to structure course work to meet their own interests or career aspirations.

“Before going to University,” explains Tracy, “I didn't really know what I wanted to do but the Biological sciences degree allowed me to grow as a scientist and experience many different subjects. I thoroughly enjoyed learning psychology, nutrition and chemistry but found that my true passion was for microbial subjects and infectious diseases.”

“My degree really broadened my horizons with the knowledge I would need for working with pathogens and having the investigative mindset necessary to work in microbiology. It opened up my critical thinking and inquisitive nature and encouraged me to carry out more in-depth research through reading articles and designing further experiments.

“Working in the lab in my final year with Dr Michael Schweizer gave me the opportunity to learn real time lab skills, experimental planning and in depth report writing – all of which has been invaluable to me. Also, the time management required throughout my degree has translated into useful organisational skills in the workplace.”

“All of the initial microbiology classes at Heriot-Watt provided an excellent base for both my work with NovaBiotics and my current PhD. Microbial pathology, Food Microbiology and almost all of my final year topics (Microbial pathogenesis, parasitic protozoa and human disease, Immunology etc.) have been highly significant in passing on knowledge and learning the skills required for work in research.”

Originally from Stoneyburn, a village in West Lothian, Tracy was brought up by her mother and attended Whitburn Academy. “I had a very humble upbringing but stuck in at school as I knew I wanted to go on to study at Heriot Watt. I fell in love with the campus and the course suited my needs perfectly. The social aspect was very important to me and I made many close friends at Heriot-Watt, including my husband - though we first met at school.”  

Tracy has valuable advice for prospective Biological Science students at Heriot-Watt: “Enjoy the experience and embrace learning in such a dynamic environment. Also, remember that if you're feeling stressed or isolated, you don't have to go at it alone, there's plenty of support. I was in the Biological Society and we helped each other cope with the pressures.

“I would wholeheartedly encourage students to get involved in sports and other extracurricular activities. And, if possible, find summer placements in laboratories to give yourself useful practical experience you can to talk about in job interviews.”

In a career shaped by her studies at Heriot-Watt University, Tracy has already contributed to the design and development of first-in-class anti-infectives for a range of common but difficult-to-treat diseases. She plans to further explore this fascinating and rewarding area of scientific research in her ongoing PhD at Glasgow University and future career to the benefit of us all.

15 February 2017