Diagnosed with nephropathic cystinosis at just seven months old, Lena spent years navigating a complex regimen of medications, blood tests, and hospital visits. Her curiosity about what happened to her blood samples led her to discover biomedical science—a field that would become both her passion and profession. Lena’s story, featured in The Biomedical Scientist, traces her path from childhood visits to research labs at Robert Gordon University (RGU) to earning top academic honours and securing a role in the very lab where her own samples were once analysed.
Now working in haematology at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Lena brings empathy and insight to every test she processes, knowing first hand the anxiety patients feel while awaiting results. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of patient-centred science, and the transformative potential of rare disease advocacy. For the Cystinosis Foundation UK, Lena’s experience exemplifies how lived experience can drive innovation, compassion, and change within healthcare systems.
Read the full story on The Biomedical Scientist.