Emma Gregson

Tell us about yourself (Who are you? Where are you from? What is your educational background?)

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Nottingham with a background in genetics and animal science.

What is your area of expertise?

My main area of expertise is feed efficiency of dairy cattle.

Where does your focus lie within your current project(s)? (related to methane)

I am producing a model to calculate on farm feed efficiency, which includes methane emissions.

What would be the added value for you of joining an international researchers network? (such as the METHAGENE network)

A better understanding of how methane emissions are calculated by different research groups, discussion with other researchers about how methane affects efficiency and access to more data for my modelling.

What and/or who inspired you to make a career in science?

My father, who always told me that it was a very difficult but rewarding career (I’m not sure whether he was trying to encourage or dissuade me from following in his footsteps), several of my lecturers during my undergraduate degree who believed in and encouraged me and my PhD supervisor Prof Kevin Sinclair.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The variety, no two days are the same.

What is your most stand-out or surprising moment in science so far?

I can’t say that any one moment stands out in my career so far. There have certainly been highs – my PhD viva (yes, I really enjoyed it); my graduation; getting my first postdoctoral position, my first publication; and many rewarding moments whilst teaching. I am still waiting for that eureka moment when I discover something absolutely amazing.