Nicola Beesley, a passionate educator, and researcher has carved a career path in the field of veterinary parasitology. Her journey is marked by a deep-rooted affinity for animals, a thirst for scientific discovery, and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists.
From a young age, Nicola's ambition to become a veterinarian was borne from a desire to combine her love of science and animals. This ultimately led her to Liverpool to pursue a degree in veterinary science. At the end of her third year, the opportunity arose to intercalate and take a year out from her veterinary degree to explore a subject in greater detail. Nicola’s interest in parasitology had already been piqued and when she ascertained there was an intercalated master’s programme at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine focusing on Veterinary Parasitology, she seized the chance.
This decision proved pivotal, as it allowed her to delve further into the fascinating world of parasites and their life cycles. The molecular biology skills she acquired during her master’s studies introduced her to laboratory research, and eventually inspired her to pursue a Ph.D. Her doctoral research centred on the population genetics of liver fluke, a pursuit that earned her recognition as Young Investigator of the Year 2014 by the Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool.
Nicola's journey involved several postdoctoral projects, including exploring the liver fluke's life cycle, its snail intermediate host, and drug resistance. These ventures often involved field work where she was armed with a paintbrush for snail hunting. Her involvement in groundbreaking research, like the project to determine the genetic basis of triclabendazole resistance in liver fluke led by Professor Jane Hodgkinson, underscored her desire to investigate complex host-parasite interactions.
In her current role as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Bioveterinary Science at the University of Chester, Nicola's enthusiasm for education finds its outlet. Teaching and inspiring students resonate deeply with her, as she imparts her love for parasitology and science, whilst nurturing the next generation of parasitologists. Ultimately, Nicola's journey has come full circle, as her fascination with parasites, instilled during her time at LSTM, continues to shape her teaching and research.
For aspiring students, Nicola's advice echoes her own journey: embrace questioning, explore Liverpool's vibrant cityscape, and immerse oneself in the rich learning environment LSTM offers (she has particularly fond memories of practical sessions in the Dagnall Laboratory). As an educator, researcher, and explorer of parasite biology, Nicola embodies the transformative power of a passion-driven education.