5 minutes with Carla Gustafsson

Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point...

In 2011, I began studying towards my BSc (Biochemistry, Microbiology and Physiology) in the same little sea-side city I grew up in, Port Elizabeth, at Nelson Mandela University. As happens in most countries, the larger cities were beckoning, so in 2015 I moved to Cape Town and was lucky enough to live there for four wonderful years. It was there, at the University of Cape Town (UCT), that I completed my post-graduate studies (BSc Med Hons in Cell Biology and MSc Med in Biomaterials) within the Cardiovascular Research Unit. Throughout my time at UCT, I thoroughly enjoyed working as a demonstrator for the lab-based Physiology practicals for both MBChB and BSc students. In 2018, I immigrated to London to start my PhD in Pharmaceutical Science at King's, as part of the BBSRC LIDo iCASE program. And here I am, at the start of my third year! As my PhD is an industrial one, I spend a lot of time at my industry partner, Plasticell Ltd., in Stevenage.

Can you tell us about your role as a First Aider? What does this usually involve?

Due to the current situation, I haven’t done much in this role as I am relatively new to it. Funnily enough, while on my way home on the day I completed my first aid training, a man fell off his bike and broke his finger right in front of me. Perhaps it was a sign? Of course, I rushed to his aid, eager to put my newly acquired skills to the test.

Why did you want to volunteer for this role?

I have always wanted to be a First Aider. I believe everyone should equip themselves with the basic knowledge of how best to respond when someone is in need of medical assistance. Especially when it is a friend or colleague!

What is the best way for people to contact you?

Using my King's email address – carla.gustafsson@kcl.ac.uk.

What is a typical day like for you and how has this changed from when you would commute to the office?

As all of my research is lab-based, so I’ve been back at it for quite a few months now. I did enjoy the break from commuting during the first lockdown, though.

My typical day consists of around 2–4 hours of commuting, depending on which lab I am going to. I often answer emails on the way, read a book or call my mum. Then it’s straight into lab preparations for the day, followed by a big cup of tea to get me going. I try to finish my lab work in the mornings/early afternoon to focus on computer-based things later in the day. That’s the intention, at least, but it seldom works out that way. I then travel home (along the way hoping my boyfriend would’ve cooked dinner for me), eat dinner, watch some “telly” if I manage to finish my work for the day, and then duly pass out.

Looking back, what has lockdown taught you?

Do not take social gatherings for granted!

What do you think people in the School would find most surprising about you?

Up until the age of 17 I really thought I was going to become a jewellery designer. All of the work-shadowing I did while at High School was with a jewellery designer, watching the design process from concept drawings to the final product.

What is your typical coffee order?

I don’t drink coffee very often at all - so spiced chai lattes are my go-to!

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Keep going, keep believing, keep proving people wrong.

QUICK-FIRE...

Your favourite season... Autumn

Your favourite London restaurant... Oh dear… probably Franco Manca, or BúnBúnBún

Your favourite book... Tough to choose, but first that comes to mind is Shantaram

You’d spend an hour cooking... Some sort of dessert, probably one of Nigella Lawson’s

Your Netflix recommendation... The Alienist