Petra Kiviniemi
Public Engagement and Communications Officer
I am responsible for internal and external communications at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, particularly our online presence, and coordinate the Institute's Public Engagement activities.
I have a background in cell biology. I did my undergraduate degree in molecular biology, followed by my DPhil in the Plant Endomembrane Structure and Function Research Group at Oxford Brookes University. During my thesis project I used genetic and cell imaging techniques to investigate the role of curvature inducing membrane proteins called reticulons in plant cells.
During my research I enjoyed taking part in science communication and outreach activities, including the annual Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar and BBSRC Science Festival. I also worked part-time as a transmission electron microscopist, assisting with research in the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences at Oxford Brookes, and as a freelance science writer.
From 2017 to early 2020 I worked as Digital Content Editor for the Medical Research Council, before joining the MRC WIMM in March 2020.