Colin White

Alumnus Colin White talks about his prestigious work in the sciences and his transition from an academic to a non-academic career.

Your time at the University

My time at Edinburgh is something I will always remember fondly, having made some life-long friends and started down the career path that led to my current position.

I chose Edinburgh as it was world-renowned for it’s quality of medical research, and the city provided a friendly, vibrant, and cultural place to study and work.

During the three years I worked in the QMRI at Little France, I was consistently impressed with the research faculty on staff, and the facilities available to graduate students, and I can think of no better place for someone to undertake their Ph.D. studies. I would strongly encourage anyone that is considering applying to do so at the earliest opportunity.

The most notable experience during my time at the university was that of meeting my now wife, Yvonne Brown, who worked in the lab opposite me in the QMRI!

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

After leaving Edinburgh I moved to the USA and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School for approximately 4 years. Shortly thereafter, I joined a small biotechnology company in Massachusetts focused on regenerative medicine, where I am employed as the Chief Scientific Officer.

The faculty at Edinburgh instilled in me an attitude of “giving back” to the younger generation of scientists, and this is something I try and do at every opportunity.

I have published several articles in prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journals, been invited to join several scientific societies, and had my work highlighted favourably in reviews of the scientific literature. I have also had the opportunity to speak on a local, national, and international basis about my research.

Outside my day job, I have started my own company, aimed at helping young scientists who wish to transition out of the academic environment move into non-academic career areas.

I also speak regularly at careers events for scientists as they evaluate their future career paths. The faculty at Edinburgh instilled in me an attitude of giving back to the younger generation of scientists, and this is something I try and do at every opportunity.

Alumni wisdom

Work hard, but play hard too. Life outside the lab is important, and will have as much bearing on your future career path as what you produce for your thesis.

Make the most of every opportunity, and always remember that you are the master of your own fate.