Marisa Amato (Sankey's 2006 - 2008)

Science Policy Consultant at Technopolis
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Which A Levels did you study?

I studied Maths, Biology and Chemistry

If you went to university, where did you go and what did you study? If you didn’t go to university, what did you do instead?

I studied Biochemistry at Imperial College London for my undergrad, then after working for 5 years in various different industries, I decided to do a Master's in Genetic Manipulations and Molecular Genetics at the University of Sussex, which led me nicely onto my PhD in Clinical Neuroscience and Molecular genetics at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, where I had to learn how to take people’s blood, which was a challenge since I hate needles!

What are you doing now and what plans do you have for the future?

Now, I am a Science Policy Consultant in the Health and Life Sciences sector at Technopolis. My job allows me to make an impact on the world by evaluating, assessing impact and making recommendations to policy and decision-makers on how to improve specific health and science-related policies, as well as the best avenues for funding research. I am also a Science Communicator, so I work on many projects that are related to best practices in communicating health information and scientific research to the general public, demystifying misinformation and ‘fake news’. There is a part of me that would still like to pursue a science broadcaster career, but for now, I think I have found my calling.

What influence has Lancing College had on your life?

Lancing College has helped me develop leadership skills. Being the very first Head of House of Sankey's meant I had to figure things out myself, and that was definitely a great learning experience. I have also learned how to deal with very difficult situations and find the best solutions to specific problems.

Which hobbies or interests did you pick up during your time at Lancing?

My time at Lancing is where I discovered my passion for science. I was also able to continue my passion for dance. I still remember the small studio that started with 4 to.5 girls, and eventually, I was the only person left in the class, so I was lucky to get one-to-one lessons. It is great to see how there is a proper dance studio and classes at Lancing! My passion for dance started when I was really young, but most schools didn’t offer it as a part of school activities, so I was only able to get back to it at Lancing, which I continued at University and now in my adult/professional life.

Are you still in touch with people you met at Lancing?

Not many

Which OL activities have you taken part in since you left (i.e. OL sports events, Business Networks etc.)?

I have not attended any OL-specific activities,  but I would really like to get involved more, especially within the Science community. I do give career talks, however, to 5th-form students on Career Day, which I have been doing since the very first one!

What advice would you give to a new pupil who is about to start at Lancing?

 Make the most of extra curriculum activities as I wished I had!