Spotlight on Dr Hayley Luxton

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am a Research Assistant working with Dr Hayley Whitaker. I am working to develop one of our prostate cancer biomarkers into a therapeutic target.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have been at UCL for just over 12 months.  Previously I worked with Dr Hayley Whitaker at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

Being involved in POPCORN has been amazing - it's incredible to see what a few people can pull together with the right support.

Tell us about a project you are working on which is top of your to-do list.

Helping the West Hampstead Hockey Club bolster their youth team. I am captain of the Ladies 7s and always looking for new talent to join us. Helping with the youth squad is a fun way to help develop new hockey talent.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

There's been a few. In science, there's Erik Sahai, Hayley Whitaker and Angus Lamond. In business, Craig White, Allan Pease and Joanne Grundy.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

My favourite album is Origin of Symmetry by Muse - 'Feeling Good' is my favourite track.

My favourite film is Grease - I always wanted to be Rizzo!

My favourite novel... does IT by Stephen King count?!

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

What did the letter say to the stamp? Stick with me and we'll go places!

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

David Bowie, Prince, Michael Jackson, Matt Bellamy, Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don't get married so young!

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Be yourself.

If you could be Prime Minister for a day and could implement one policy, what would it be?

A four-day working week!

If you were given £1m what would you spend it on?

Shoes and vintage dresses.

Who do you admire as a leader?

Richard Branson.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

Many things! I was born in Germany, I left science to run a successful home-based business, I've played hockey at the Olympic pitches, and I love mountain climbing.

What is your favourite place?

The hockey pitch!

Work/life: balanced?

Getting there, having lots to do at home helps the balance.