Jordan Joel - KHPeople

What is your role?

I am a genetics and developmental biology PhD student at King's College London, but I also work part-time as administrative support for KHP Haematology. In addition to these, I am one of 25 candidates selected globally, for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leaders programme.

My PhD research focuses on understanding the role of Fibroblast Growth Factor signalling during bone development as disruptions in this pathway cause craniosynostosis syndromes. This research incorporates aspects of genetics, developmental biology, and cell biology and I get to use cool biochemistry, gene editing, and cloning techniques.

Through my role within KHP haematology I get to support various projects, in particular, I work within the sickle cell team. As a Nigerian, working on sickle cell is a big passion of mine because it affects many people in the country and the rest of the world.

As an IOC young leader, I will work to develop a sports-based project that supports student-athletes in Nigeria. This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and allows me to create social impact through sports.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As a PhD student, I really enjoy the techniques I get to use. I remember learning about genetic cloning using plasmids and genetic engineering in my undergraduate degree, and that stuck with me. I thought it was so cool, and now I get to do this in my PhD. I also enjoy the biochemistry and molecular biology techniques that allow me to analyse DNA and protein structures, which are fundamental units of life.

Within my KHP role, I enjoy working with both clinicians and academics. As a PhD student, I learn a lot from working with both, because it makes me see a broader view of science beyond the laboratory. Working within KHP and its clinical trials team allows me to see first-hand the process of translating research to the clinical setting. Working within a space where I observe the translation of science is the reason I became a scientist. I don't just want to be involved in researching a biological problem, I want to see it benefit patients. 

As an IOC young leader, I have an amazing opportunity to create social impact. While growing up in Nigeria, my friends and I loved sports, but we did not have programmes that supported student-athletes. Culturally, we were encouraged to focus on our academics over progress in our sporting endeavours, but I have always believed that both can work together. I have been able to make a lot of progress in my academic career, as I am now doing my PhD, but I never gave up on my sporting ambition. I am a sports scholar at King's College London, and I actively compete as a Taekwondo athlete alongside my PhD. I love being a student-athlete and as an IOC Young Leader, I plan to develop a programme that supports other student-athletes in high school to succeed as both a student and an athlete, because it is possible.

What inspired you to get into this work?

I became a scientist because I have a curious mind. I love to know how things work and the 'why' behind systems. Although I wasn't the best Biology student in high school, I really enjoyed the subject. I also had an encouraging biology teacher who believed in me. She saw my potential, even though I couldn't see it at the time. I chose the biological sciences for many reasons, but a big factor was my biology teacher. I chose to focus on genetics because this is one of the fundamental units of life. I have always wanted to help people and my community, and I believe I can do this through the field of genetics.

Additionally, I wanted to work at KHP to see how scientific breakthroughs can be applied to patients. This led me to complete a master's degree, where I learned a lot about translational science, and it made me realise this is a field I would like to work in. Working within the clinical trials team at KHP haematology alongside my PhD, helps me understand the process required to make practical patient-focused solutions from scientific discoveries. 

Finally, I chose to apply to be an IOC young leader because in addition to being a scientist, I love sports, and I want to help my community through it. I believe in the transformative power of sports to bring different communities together and overcome socio-economic boundaries. It is a great equaliser, and I believe through the programme I could bring about positive change.

What are the benefits of working in partnership?

Partnerships are pivotal to improving the health sector. Academics and clinicians work together to develop novel solutions to biological problems, which positively impacts patients. This is also facilitated by staff and students, whose inputs help in driving the continuous development of healthcare services.

What would be your one career top tip?

My one career tip would be to follow your dreams. Several times, we are told why things are impossible, and I have been told this many times, but now I find myself in all the spaces I was told were impossible for me to get to. Achieving a dream or goal takes time and consistent action but a big aspect is belief. I wasn't the smartest, most athletic, or most disciplined kid growing up. However, an important lesson I learned from my family was belief and having faith that what seems impossible, is possible. Don't give up on your goals or dreams.

Find out more about the work of KHP Haematology.