About
Bertie Ansell (they/them) is a fungal scientist, microbial enthusiast, biophysicist, writer and educator. They are an advocate for convivial ecology, land justice and regenerative biology that nurtures the human and more-than-human worlds.
They are currently a post-doctoral researcher at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (Prof. Kabir Peay and Dr. Peter Dahlberg labs), in reciept of a Schmidt Science Fellowship.
Education
Bertie has a PhD in Structural Biology (2022) and a Masters in Biochemistry (2018) from the University of Oxford, UK. Their research explored how membrane proteins interact with the cellular environment using computational simulations, primarily focussing on the role of lipids and ligands in mammalian developmental pathways (Prof. Mark Sansom and Prof. Christian Siebold groups).
They previously studied how cholesterol interacts with GPCRs involved in diabetes, and investigated biosynthetic avenues for malarial vaccines.
Prior to university they attended a supportive state school within the UK.
Approach
Bertie believes in science which is diverse, open and gregarious and which actively seeks to dismantle the systems of oppression which contribute to misogyny, queerphobia, transphobia, racism, classism and ableism. The strength of our scientific and worldly pursuits is dependent on voices which have been historically excluded by the destructive legacies of empire and oppression. Hence, we must centre diverse voices, and draw upon multiple knowledge systems, to effectively mobilise cultural and planetary change.
Bertie advocates for science which acknowledges the complexity of data as inherent to an effective understanding of the whole. They apply an interdisciplinary stance to study complex biological themes and seek to contextualise structural narratives within the cellular, species or ecological environment. Our sphere of view must extend beyond the human to acknowledge our place within the cycles of our planet. Bertie approaches science collaboratively and has interests in elevating non-hierarchical, democratised science which is accountable to itself and those it seeks to serve.
Bertie always welcomes feedback on how the accessibility of this platform could be improved.