Bio-ID alumni spotlight: William Scott

What inspired you to study the Bio-ID MSc/MArch at The Bartlett School of Architecture?  

Towards the end of my undergrad degree in microbiology, I got involved with a small environmental non-profit and became very interested in the applications of microbiology in mitigating the effects of climate change. I began searching for master's courses that would allow me to study the topic, initially looking at biotechnology-based courses, but I was fascinated with the innovative, design-led approach that they were using at the Bio-ID lab and decided to apply. 

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most or have a significant impact on you? 

To some extent, Bio-ID gives you the free rein to design your own course. While there is a set structure and series of modules, your topic is your own and it's up to you to decide what that is. I really enjoyed the days where I would go straight from growing something in the lab to building something in the workshop; it’s quite a unique experience. 

Can you tell us about your current role and what it involves? 

I work part time as a Sustainability Consultant and am working on a PhD (still at UCL) alongside that. 

My sustainability role involves working with architects, construction companies, and developers to advise on how buildings can be designed, built, and disassembled more sustainably. That involves their energy systems, materials, incorporating effective green infrastructure and so on. 

My PhD is focused on designing for the microbiome of the built environment. I’m researching the role of materials in shaping the microbes that we see in buildings, and whether ‘probiotic materials’ can be used to create healthier spaces. 

What skills, knowledge, and experiences gained at Bio-ID have been most useful in your career? 

I’m still working on becoming a more independent and well-rounded researcher, but Bio-ID was definitely a crucial part of that process. I developed my ability to design and carry out a lab experiment, how to interpret results and plan the next steps. 

A more general skill which I had to learn that has unexpectedly proven useful many times is to present my work in a visually appealing way. During Bio-ID we had many presentations and crits where we were critiqued on how the work was presented as well as the content itself. I’m now far more confident in sharing my work and believe it has more impact with its audience, which has been useful in many aspects of my professional life.  

How has studying at Bio-ID shaped you career?  

My PhD topic is very related to some of the work I was doing at Bio-ID. Without those work, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have got this opportunity. Even my work in sustainability is linked with buildings and the built environment, it’s all related. 

What resources, networks, or opportunities (inside or outside Bartlett) helped you advance in your career? 

After graduating, I had a short-term research role at The Bartlett investigating the use of materials within their workshops and identifying opportunities to better adopt the principles of a circular economy. This experience helped me land my current role. 

What advice would you give to future students aspiring to pursue the course?

Reach out to current and past students who might be able to give you some more insight into what their experiences have been. 

I’d also recommend starting the programme with an open mind about your future career. It’s good to have an idea of the direction you want to take, but I think many of my cohort would say that they didn’t end up working in a career path that they expected.