Andrea E.L. Attipoe: Department of Bioengineering – PhD focus -The physical origin of reversible surface attachment in insects

Andrea E.L. Attipoe – Department of Bioengineering PhD focus – The physical origin of reversible surface attachment in insects

“I spent four years at Imperial, working on my PhD in the Bioengineering Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to see the inner workings of academia. Imperial is a highly collaborative environment, where people from multiple scientific backgrounds come together to find solutions to innovative questions and problems. What Imperial unfortunately still lacks is diversity in its people. Too often have I found myself in a room, being the only person of my ethnicity. Black representation matters, not only because research has been proven to be more effective and innovative in diverse groups, but also because academia seems all the more welcoming if people from minority ethnic groups find role models in more senior positions.

Yet, time and time again, we ethnic minorities need to demonstrate superior abilities to be recognised as equally deserving of our peers. This injustice extends to all forms of intersectionality and has resulted in male and white dominated scientific spaces. Yes, that’s a tough pill to swallow, but I do not believe in resentment, I believe in change. The first step in addressing bias, is always the acknowledgement of its existence. For years, I have worked together with Imperial to push the understanding its own systemic biases, and more importantly, to address them. There’s a long road ahead, but I was not alone on this adventure. I am proud of the many members of Imperial College who have pushed for reform, scholarships, and more broadly speaking: change. Together, we have taken the first steps towards a more equal and diverse legacy for this institution which I learned so much from, and which can learn so much from the many voices within.”

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