Dr Maria Fernandes

Organisation

Microbiology Society

Job Title

Professional Development Manager

Biography

Maria is the Head of Professional Development and Evaluation at the Microbiology Society, a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects and their practical uses.

Over the last three years, Maria has led the expansion of the Society’s professional development support for its members; moving from solely a grant-awarding function to using feedback from the membership to provide support via guidance resources, events and other schemes including establishing a forum for early career researchers to influence the organisation’s strategy and activities.

Maria received her PhD in Pharmacology in 2015 and moved out of academia as soon as she completed her research studies; so is passionate about encouraging scientists to explore all career options available to make the most of all of their skills in a career that suits them.