Lynda Erskine nominated by christiana ruhrberg
Lynda is a professor in Development Neurobiology at the University of Aberdeen. Originally she went there to study medicine, but after a couple of years she did an intercalated degree in Medical Sciences, and realised she was more interested in research. Lynda’s research focuses on two areas. One looks at how the eye develops and how this impacts on eye disease later in life, the other focuses on how the eye connects to the brain, which could lead to novel strategies for regeneration of damaged optic axons. Christiana Ruhrberg, who’s passing on the heirloom, says, “Aside from delivering research that is consistently at the forefront of her field, Lynda is an inspirational colleague due to her enthusiasm, scientific rigor and collaborative spirit. She has been a role model to her students and staff alike, inspiring them to pursue a career in science through teaching, mentoring and leading by example. As a current member of the committee of British Society for Developmental Biology, Lynda effectively helps to promote UK science and the careers of young researchers, and through public engagement activities for school children helps to attract young people into biomedical research. She is an inspirational role model for women seeking a future in STEM.” Farewell Old School Ways
When Lynda first went to Aberdeen University to study medicine in 1988, she was shocked by
“But that old school attitude is working its way
what she was told by a senior member of staff.
out of the system. Things like the Athena SWAN
“He didn’t agree with women doing medicine as
initiative embed equality into the university
they took up places men should have. His view
system and make people realise that such
was that we’ll go off and have children, and
behaviour is unacceptable.”
then we’ll just not care anymore” says Lynda.
Lynda says programmes like the Athena SWAN
But what really shocked her were the other
initiative are excellent, but warns that we
women present. “They kept telling me to be
must be careful to make sure it doesn’t go too
quiet, that you shouldn’t argue with this person.
far the other way. “It’s about getting gender
That was the first time I ever encountered
balance and not just about making things
being told I couldn’t do something because I
better for women. I don’t believe in positive
was a girl.” This experience stayed with her for
discrimination. I don’t believe discrimination
the rest of her life.
can ever be positive. If we started bringing in
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