February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women in STEM and encouraging greater participation and inclusivity in scientific fields.
At Magdalen, our female Fellows are at the forefront of some of the world’s most groundbreaking research, driving innovation and shaping the future of their disciplines. Their contributions advance scientific knowledge, inspire the next generation of researchers, and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.
Professor Dame Alison Etheridge FRS (Mathematics, Statistics)
Professor Dame Alison Etheridge is a Fellow by Special Election at Magdalen and a leading expert in probability theory, particularly its applications in genetics and evolutionary biology. Her work has helped model genetic variation within populations, providing critical insights into evolutionary processes and the mathematical foundations of biological diversity.
Dr Maheshi Ramasamy (Medicine and Biomedical Science)
Dr Maheshi Ramasamy is an Associate Professor in Medicine and Biomedical Science, a Fellow by Special Election at Magdalen, and a consultant physician specialising in infectious diseases. As a senior researcher at the Oxford Vaccine Group, she played a key role in the development and clinical trials of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, contributing to the global rollout of over two billion doses.
Professor Xin Lu (Cancer Research, Medicine)
Professor Xin Lu is a Fellow by Special Election and the Director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford Branch. Her pioneering research on tumour suppression and cellular plasticity has transformed our understanding of how cancer cells evade treatment. Her discovery of the ASPP protein family has opened new avenues for targeted cancer therapies, with implications for oesophageal and gastric cancers as well as virus-associated malignancies.
Professor Eunyoung Chae (Biology, Plant Sciences, and Zoology)
Professor Eunyoung Chae is a Tutorial Fellow in Biology, focusing on how genetic variation influences plant immune responses and adaptation. Her research investigates how mismatched immune components in plants trigger both disease resistance and developmental defects, providing insights into how plants balance immunity and growth under changing environmental conditions.
Professor Véronique Gouverneur (Chemistry)
Professor Véronique Gouverneur is the Waynflete Professor of Chemistry at Magdalen and a global leader in organofluorine chemistry. Her groundbreaking research has led to new fluorination methods with applications in drug discovery and medical imaging, particularly in improving PET scan technology. She has also pioneered the development of fluorochemical manufacturing processes that eliminate the need for toxic hydrofluoric acid, making the industry safer and more sustainable.
Professor Teresa Thurston (Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry)
Professor Teresa Thurston is an Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology at Magdalen College, where she leads a research group at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. Her work focuses on how bacterial pathogens like Salmonella and Burkholderia manipulate host immune responses, providing valuable insights for developing new treatments against infectious diseases.
Dr Alexy Karenowska (Engineering, Physics)
Dr Alexy Karenowska is a physicist and engineer specialising in magnon dynamics, with applications in next-generation information processing. She also serves as Director of Technology at The Institute for Digital Archaeology, where she uses cutting-edge 3D printing and machining to restore historical artifacts. As Magdalen’s Widening Participation Fellow, she is committed to making science education more inclusive and interdisciplinary.
Dr Lauren Phillips (Medicine and Biomedical Science)
Dr Lauren Phillips is the George Grosvenor Freeman Fellow by Examination in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, specialising in cardiovascular genetics. Her research explores how angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to heart failure and hypertension, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets that could improve treatment for patients with these conditions.
Professor Lucy Bowes (Experimental Psychology)
Professor Lucy Bowes is an expert in Experimental Psychology, focusing on how early-life stress and adversity impact mental health and development. Her research integrates behavioural genetics, developmental psychology, and social epidemiology to study resilience in children exposed to trauma, such as bullying and harsh parenting. Her findings have influenced policies aimed at improving child welfare and mental health support.