Seven Questions with... Katherine Wang

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I am a biomedical scientist by background, but ever since I did my MSc in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at UCL, I have been fascinated by how engineering could be used to solve medical problems. It was just such a different world to looking down a microscope at cells or chromosomes. It lead me to doing a PhD in orthopaedic trauma and medical devices at UCL, during which time I designed a medical implant to help with fractures after hip replacements.

Currently, I am developing a wearable med-tech device – LymphMotion, which aims to alleviate the pain and swelling caused by lymphoedema and improve the quality of life in patients. It is a common consequence of cancer treatment, and on a more personal note, my late uncle developed this disease while undergoing treatment for lung cancer. At the time, there weren't many treatment options to help with lymphoedema, and it left a lasting impression on me.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

Probably volunteering for St Johns Ambulance as part of the ULU LINKS Society. Being a first-aider is something I’ve been passionate about since middle school, and have volunteered with since my undergrad. I have to also mention the incredible opportunities I’ve had while doing my PhD, such as being part of an EIT Health funded programme to work with clinicians in Sweden and France, and presenting my work at international and national conferences.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

Probably not a hidden gem, but the British Museum is a stone’s throw away and one of my favourite places. There are loads of museums within UCL that are pretty cool and easy to overlook too. The Wellcome Collection is a nice place to study or read.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1. There are so many performing arts in London with incredible shows, including theatres, musicals, ballets and operas – the ENO even offer discounted tickets for students. The Secret Comedy Club is also great and cheap (and sometimes free).
2. There are also all manner of sports activities that you can do in the city, such as freejumping at Oxygen and indoor boulding and climbing at VauxWall.
3. Hampstead Heath is great for a stroll away from the humdrum buzz of central London. Also, check out the St Dunstan in the East church garden.

What’s one thing you’d like to see in a post-COVIDworld?

Taking more immediate action in addressing climate change. (Most of) the world has shown that it is able to adapt and react rapidly to global emergencies such as COVID-19. If global leaders are able to act quickly to ban CFCs to save the ozone layer and dedicate unprecedented amounts of resources to fighting COVID-19, the same dedication can be made to reversing global warming.

Another thing I'd like to see is for NHS staff to be paid better – they are so under-appreciated and over-worked.

Who inspires you and why?

Many people inspire me for different reasons. I’ll highlight my mother for teaching me resilience and kindness, and my PhD advisor for showing me how to be a good researcher.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am really into wild camping.