Femi Anna Thomas

What’s the work that you do?

I am a Polar early career researcher pursuing my PhD in Arctic bacterial diversity and metal-bacterial interactions. I have always been fascinated with the tiny microbial world which motivated me to pursue a PhD in the same field. My work mainly focuses on understanding who are the major bacterial players in different Arctic ecosystems? What do they do there? How do they face the different stresses caused by environmental contaminants?

What keeps you going?

My passion for understanding the unknown has always motivated me in my research career. My family, friends and colleagues are a constant support to keep me going. Another motivating factor is the research work in Arctic which is equally inspiring and challenging.

What’s your message to the world?

Enjoy what you are doing! Keep a motivation check and always give importance to your mental health. Share your ideas and keep yourself updated – this can definitely help in gaining new perspectives. Love nature and be a pro in understanding the different environmental issues. Be part of the solution. Love yourself, keep smiling and cherish every moment of your life.