Emma Yhnell
Cardiff University
Welsh Crucible 2018
Emma obtained a BSc degree in Biochemistry at Cardiff University before staying on to complete a PhD in the School of Biosciences exploring Huntington’s disease in the laboratory. She then obtained an independent research fellowship funded by the Welsh Government through Health and Care Research Wales, to translate her findings on cognitive training into the patient clinic to work with people impacted by Huntington’s disease.
In addition to her scientific research, she is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has been involved in teaching, lecturing and several pedagogic and educational research projects including work examining the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification.
Emma is experienced in public engagement, outreach and science communication. She has presented her work in Parliament and spoken at the Hay Festival, Soapbox Science and Pint of Science. She will also be giving the Charles Darwin Award lecture at the 2018 British Science Festival. Emma is keen to raise the profile of women in science and to communicate her research using fun and interactive methods. She aims to inspire others to think differently about science, so that people feel confident and able to engage in science and more importantly to have fun in doing so!