Institute student comes out on top in Scottish FameLab final
Published: 20 April 2020
Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation MSc student Trecia Palmer claimed first place and booked her spot in the UK final in June with a charismatic talk on multiple sclerosis.
Immunology & Inflammatory Disease MSc student Trecia C. Palmer recently won the Scottish FameLab final and booked her place in June's UK final with a charismatic talk on multiple sclerosis.
Famelab is a science communication competition started in 2005 by Cheltenham Science Festival and, since its inception, over 10,000 scientists and engineers from 31 countries have participated.
Individual country winners come together for the International FameLab Final at Cheltenham Science Festival each June, as a global network of scientists engaging with international audiences.
To participate in Famelab, entrants must prepare a three-minute lay presentation on science and research about which they are enthusiastic using whatever means best fit their presentation style.
The Glasgow finals were held via Zoom on 15 April, and Trecia, a former medical doctor at the University Hospital of the West Indies who hails from Jamaica, took top spot and continued the trend that has seen University of Glasgow alumni win the last three Scottish finals.
As someone who is determined to advance the research of, and ultimately help to find a cure for, MS, she delivered an impassioned address to those watching at home.
Trecia explained: "I entered FameLab to let the world know that multiple sclerosis truly is a debilitating disease, and one that hits at the peak of one's productivity.
"Until my breath becomes air, I will never stop being the advocate for those with MS and other CNS demyelinating diseases.
"Pain is the monster that hides in the closet of all multiple sclerosis patients; unlike other monsters, neuropathic pain scares these patients day and night ... the pain is constant and our reality.
"My approach to delivery was simple: I was speaking not theoretically - it was personal for me. Whilst I gave the talk I was in so much pain.
"The pain kept me focused on delivering an effective talk and it was the motivation to silence my body crying in pain as I neared the end of my talk that kept me mentally lucid.
"My talks are never without passionate because I am the embodiment of what I speak."
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish finals were staged online via video conferencing provider Zoom, and Trecia admitted this initially gave her cause for concern.
She added: "I had misgivings about entering by Zoom because I consider the stage the place where I can dramatize anything I speak about.
"So I wondered for a few days how I could reach my audience across my narrow phone screen - but then it hit me like a thousand bricks ...
"Whether I am on stage or zoom, I do not need the audience to see me in entirety; I only need them to hear my voice.
"I needed them to hear the cries of all MS patients who are suffering, not only myself. So all I needed was my voice and my face. I did not need a stage.
"I was very happy to win because not only do I represent the wonderful, loving and caring people of Scotland but I represent the MS community at large. I consider that an honour.
"I am looking forward to the UK finals and rather excited to share my story and research project. I plan as usual to advocate for all those who suffer from CNS demyelinating diseases (in this case MS).
"The UK finals will be delivered just as I deliver all my talks: with a lot of emotion and passion, with the main aim to ensure that MS patients are heard.
"The UK finals, as at all stages of the competition, will be packed with a lot of talented people, but winning is not my focus.
"My focus is to ensure I bring awareness and clarity to an enigmatic disease such as MS. I look forward to having that opportunity."
First published: 20 April 2020