“Science Wasn’t ‘For People Like Me’ — Until She Proved Everyone Wrong”

Описание: What if the reason people don’t pursue science isn’t a lack of ability — but a lack of representation?

In this powerful episode of Voices on the Edge of Change, Lou Robey sits down with Holly Ellis — better known as “The Scouse Scientist” a clinical geneticist working in the NHS who is quietly redefining what a scientist looks and sounds like.

Growing up in Liverpool, Holly never imagined science was “for people like her.” With a Scouse accent, a love of fashion, and no family history of university, Oxford felt like an impossible dream — until she took the leap.

Today, Holly works at the forefront of genetics and proactive healthcare, helping diagnose rare diseases, prevent inherited cancers, and shape a future where medicine is personalised rather than reactive. At the same time, she’s built a powerful online platform to show young people — especially girls from working-class backgrounds — that you don’t have to change who you are to succeed in science.

In this conversation, we explore:
• 🧬 How genetics is transforming healthcare and saving lives
• 🎓 Imposter syndrome, class, accent & belonging at Oxford
• 👩‍🔬 Why the “mad scientist” stereotype is still holding people back
• 👶 Motherhood, ambition & the invisible load women carry
• 🎥 Why representation in science — on TV and online — truly matters
• 💥 The power of saying yes before you feel ready

Holly’s story isn’t just about science.
It’s about identity, confidence, and refusing to shrink to fit outdated expectations.

If you’ve ever thought “people like me don’t do that” — this episode is for you.

00:00 Intro. Why representation in science still matters
02:58 Growing up in Liverpool and never seeing yourself in science
07:21 Taking the leap to Oxford
12:04 Imposter syndrome. Class, accent and finding your place
17:10 What a clinical geneticist actually does in the NHS
22:06 How genetics is changing healthcare today
27:12 Diagnosing rare diseases and preventing inherited cancers
32:18 Becoming The Scouse Scientist and using social media for good
37:26 Breaking the mad scientist stereotype
42:05 Motherhood, ambition and the invisible load women carry
47:08 Saying yes before you feel ready
52:14 Why representation on TV and online truly matters
57:18 Advice for young girls who think science is not for them
62:01 Final reflections and where to follow Holly

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🎤 Watch Holly’s TEDx talk here:    • Smashing Stereotypes in Science: Genetics ...  
📲 Follow The Scouse Scientist on social media: https://www.instagram.com/the_scouse_...

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