Sophie Cotton

Hi! 

I'm Sophie. I am a masters student in the Tropini Lab at the University of British Columbia. I am passionate about exploring the intersection of microbiology, endocrinology and neuroscience.  Specifically, I am interested in dissecting the connections between the gut microbiota,  the small molecules it produces, and their ability to modulate cells and systems in the rest of the body - namely, the microglia in the brain and the androgens and oestrogen's of the endocrine system. 

In 2020 I completed a law degree and a biomedical science degree at Southern Cross University in Australia. While this combination often surprises people, it was always the plan and very intentional. Like many scientists, I am passionate about sharing our discoveries beyond the four walls of the lab, but I know that often times there is a disconnect in the policy sphere when it comes to translating our laboratory breakthroughs into tangible benefits for society. I wanted to be equipped to do my part to change that, hence why I studied law, and will formally become a lawyer later this year (a process that was delayed due to the pandemic). 

My pursuit of master's degree in the Tropini Lab at the University of British Columbia was a strategic step to equip myself as a scientist before transitioning to a role where a deep understanding of science in necessary for policy advocacy.  My goal is to serve as a translator so that the nuance inherent in science is not lost in attempts to translate it to policy, but rather captured to provide tangible and evidence based benefit to society.