We caught up with Sophie Park, a member of our Early Career Committee to find out more about her work and why she is a member of BISAS.

Name: Sophie Park

Current role: PhD Student/ HE Lecturer

University: PhD = University of Liverpool, Lecturer = University Centre Reaseheath

Country:  UK

Area of professional focus: Agriculture - Ruminants

Your Journey

What inspired you to pursue a career in animal science?

I’m from a farming background in the Lake District so growing up was very animal focused! I toyed with the idea of becoming a vet but when it came down to it, I was more interested in finding out the ‘why’ behind diseases. Foot and Mouth Disease was a turning point, at such a young age to see the impact across industry, it fuelled my need to know more and problem solve. I felt passionate about working on solutions I could see working back on the farm, where the results really matter, working from the ground up so to speak. 

Tell us a little about your current work or research – what are you focusing on?

I’m currently in the third year of my PhD on sustainable control of parasites in British dairy cows at University of Liverpool, kindly funded by the BBSRC. It involves measuring antibodies in bulk tank milk for fluke, lungworm and stomach worm then using my results to help model infection pressures so farmers and vets can work together to better inform individual worming protocols. I also lecture part time in Agriculture at University Centre Reaseheath, a position I held full time prior to starting my PhD, where my focus is livestock health and modules relating to disease.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love working on projects that are what I consider to be ‘outreach friendly’. I believe to make an impact in agriculture; we need to package our findings so that it’s accessible and applicable to the boots on the ground. Seeing the livestock industry facing increasing pressures, it’s inspiring to know that, through research, we could find small changes that improves welfare and profitability yet doesn’t infringe on everyday costs or labour. On a day-to-day basis, I love the variability of my role. One day I could be knee deep in my wellies, the next day in a lab analysing and another day on a field trip with students.  No day is the same and I’m truly grateful for that. 

Your Experience with BISAS

How did you first hear about BSAS?

I heard about BSAS through my Professor whilst I was an undergraduate at Harper Adams University. He began one of his lectures demonstrating what it was all about and it sounded very appealing to me. 

When did you become a member?

I joined as an undergraduate – I think in my first or second year. 

What encouraged you to join?

My Professor did an excellent sales pitch! I went away and researched the BISAS more after he drew our attention to it. It was good to see it wasn’t just for those at the height of their careers – it offered access to conferences, resources and student awards. Basically, the key aspects of CPD, communication and employability that you don’t get from lectures or your degree alone. 

Which BISAS activities, events, or opportunities have you taken part in? (e.g. Annual Conference, Early Career Day, webinars, committees, journals, student awards)

I’ve attended several conferences both as an undergraduate and now as an Early Career member. I’ve learned from several webinars and submitted my thesis as an undergraduate for an award – I wasn’t lucky, but it was a great experience all the same!

What have you gained from your membership? (e.g. knowledge, professional connections, confidence, career guidance, opportunities to present work)

I think the biggest gain for me was confidence – attending events with people who have walked the same path was a big inspiration to keep going. I’ve found it has also helped with career guidance. The animal science industry is so varied and BISAS has really opened my eyes to the numerous careers out there. The network is all so kind and are happy to discuss how they ended up in the career they’re in – it’s interesting stuff!

Have you achieved or experienced anything as a direct result of BISAS involvement? (e.g. publication, collaboration, award, new job, mentoring opportunity)

I’ve recently sought out a collaboration with another member of BISAS (Dr Eric Newton of Native Breed Solutions) to work on a native breeds project with an Ayrshire Herd. Had I not joined BISAS, I would never have met them or benefited from their expertise! 

Looking To The Future

How has BISAS helped shape your future goals?

It has reassured me I’m on the right path. I wanted to do applied research in livestock and the BISAS is such a good fit for me. It has shown me all the weird and wonderful careers out there in animal science and provided me with a network for my sort of people! In the near future, my goal is to present at the annual BISAS conference, having been a career goal since my undergraduate days. 

What would you say to another early career researcher or student thinking of joining BISAS?

I’d so go for it! Student membership is only £25 at the moment which is an absolute bargain for what you get. It will help develop those transferable skills that you won’t get from a degree alone. If you need to learn to network, join up and do it in a place full of friendly faces and people who were in your shoes once.