In profile: We catch up with some of our inspiring alumni
Mohi Dave
MSc Human & Molecular Genetics 2023
Genetic Technologist Analyst in cancer genomics at Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Raised in Mumbai, Mohi turned a childhood fascination with biology and genetics into a masters degree from Sheffield, kick starting her career at one of the world’s leading cancer hospitals – The Royal Marsden in London. She’s now working at the cutting edge of modern cancer treatment, and credits her time at the University of Sheffield for paving the way to her dream NHS role.
“The work placement offered by Sheffield has played a huge part in helping me secure my current job at The Royal Marsden”
“I got my bachelor’s degree in life sciences from Bangalore University, majoring in genetics, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Genomics is still an emerging field, and although it’s rapidly expanding in India, I felt I wanted to explore educational and job opportunities abroad. I have some extended family in the UK, and was always fascinated by British architecture – even visiting as a child, it left such an impression on me that I told myself I’d love to live here someday – so I decided to apply for a masters here.
I spent a lot of time networking and talking to various professors and alumni about course content, which helped me narrow down my choices. What stood out most about Sheffield was that it was the only university offering a work placement as part of the program. You get to work on real NHS patient cases while studying, which I found incredibly appealing, especially since I knew I wanted to work in the NHS after graduating.
It took some time to adjust to a new lifestyle here from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, but I made friends through various university clubs and activities. It’s really important to meet people and build a support system, especially when you’re far from home. I randomly started attending salsa dancing classes, and unexpectedly became a real enthusiast.
I was really focused on finding work in the NHS, and I think one of the key things when you’re applying is understanding what you bring to the table. The work placement program offered by Sheffield was incredibly valuable. The hands-on experience I gained there directly aligned with what I’m doing now, so it played a huge part in helping me secure my current job.
I’m overjoyed to be at The Royal Marsden, a beacon of excellence in cancer care on a global scale. It’s an honour to take up the fight against haematological malignancies, applying the knowledge and skills honed during my time at the University. I’m grateful and excited for the chance to make a meaningful impact in the world of genetics and cancer research, and to be able to contribute to a cause greater than oneself.”
Ben Cherry
BSc Zoology 2014
Founder and project lead at Wild Cherry Media Ltd; Royal Meteorological Society Weather Photographer of the Year.
For most emerging photographers with a passion for nature, being named one of the Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographers of the Year would seem a tough achievement to top. For Ben, it was an early stepping stone in a globetrotting media career that blossomed at Sheffield. He now runs Bristol-based production company Wild Cherry Media as a freelance Director of Photography (DP), specialising in natural history documentaries for clients including the BBC, Netflix, Disney, PBS, and various NGOs.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to meet talented and committed people dedicating their lives to protecting nature”
“Early on in my degree I realised I was never going to be a researcher, but I knew I wanted to work in science communication. After uni I did a few international research and media projects, living briefly in Malaysian Borneo and Costa Rica. Ultimately, it was the media side of things that really hooked me, but my Zoology degree gave me the scientific grounding I needed.
Projects I’ve since worked on as a Director of Photography include the Netflix series Chimp Empire, where I spent 32 weeks following a group of Ngogo chimps in Uganda. My favourite is called Garrison, a wise older male who’s integral to the western group society. I also worked on A Real Bug’s Life for Disney Plus, and Saving Our Wild Isles, celebrating British wildlife
and those looking to conserve it.
I approach my work today with both a creative eye and a scientific mind, understanding animal behaviour then figuring out how to capture it on camera. I had animal behaviour lectures from Professor Tim Birkhead at Sheffield, and I remember him half-jokingly offering us £10 if we could identify a bird call. I knew it, but was too nervous to say. Eventually my friend convinced me to pipe up, and I was right – it was a nightingale – but ever since then I’ve been known as the ‘sweet bird dork’ who never got his tenner from Tim!
The best part of my job is spending time in the field. It’s just magic, especially on longer projects where you really get to know your subjects. It’s incredibly rewarding to meet the talented and committed people dedicating their lives to protecting nature, and such a privilege to be able to give a face and a voice to a situation.
It’s a tough moment for the TV and film industry just now, but there’s always a desire for natural history media. Now more than ever we need to get it in front of people, and I still believe science-based communication is a uniquely effective way to do that. I definitely plan to continue promoting the natural world, and especially the remarkable stories of people from all backgrounds who are fighting so hard to protect it.”
