Izzy Jayasinghe
She/Her
I am trans and a lesbian and I am a scientist in biophysics and a university lecturer. //
I’m the lead investigator of a super-resolution microscopy research group at the University of Leeds (UK). In my team, we develop, refine, and apply new microscopy tools to optically resolve the building-blocks of life: single proteins. A highlight among the proteins that we study are the arrays of giant calcium channels called the ryanodine receptors, which orchestrate the heartbeat. Building new technologies and scientific tools has been a way of self-discovery for me since childhood and a way of connecting with queer scientists who have influenced my career path toward academia. I first came out as a trans woman to two of my colleagues 10 years ago. Seven years ago, I came out to my partner, also an academic, who inspired me to be my full authentic self. I currently work in a faculty that is home to a number of LGBT scientists. Like all of them, I am well supported by my employer and find it an academic environment in which I can thrive.