Page 24 - The Moretonian 2025

Inspiring Women in STEM

The Jenner Society

Now in its 14th year, the Jenner Society has continued to offer a fascinating
range of speakers and events to inspire medics, vets, dentists, and anyone
interested in biological and medical science. This year’s Society was led by
Upper Sixth students Cara and Cathy, with assiduous reporting by Lower
Sixth students Jess and Lauren.

The year began with a talk from vet Andrew
Nelson who, with the help of his Labrador,
demonstrated how to complete a dog health
check and shared the highs and lows of life
as a veterinary surgeon. In October, Serena
Bird (OM 2014), now a Band 8 nurse, spoke
about the many career paths and progression
opportunities within nursing.

A highlight of the term was the Jenner Debate
on whether “This House believes that the NHS
should remain free at the point of need,” with
strong arguments on both sides leading to a
narrow win for the motion. November also saw our 10th annual Multiple
Mini Interview Event at RJAH Hospital, involving
In November, Professor William Parry-Smith 48 applicants and 24 medical professionals. We
gave a captivating talk on robotic gynaecological celebrated the decade milestone with cake and
surgery using the Da Vinci Robot. He explained bubbles and thanked the many doctors who have
how this technology has improved recovery supported the event over the years.
times, reduced complications, and even benefits
surgeons by reducing physical strain. That same Sammy Chen (OM 2017) returned to speak about
week, Dr Andrea Bailey discussed how her values her PhD research at King’s College London. She
of curiosity, creativity, and justice guided her is developing monoclonal IgE antibodies targeting
into a career in physiotherapy within the NHS, melanoma tumours, with promising results. Her
designing treatment plans and championing work includes building a 3D organoid model
equitable healthcare. of the tumour microenvironment, aiming to

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