Manali Naik, a Pre-Registration Clinical Scientist at West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory in Birmingham, UK, discusses her journey from a diverse upbringing to a career in genetics. Her passion for Stem Cell Research led her to pursue studies in Genetics & Molecular Cell Biology, culminating in an MSc in Human & Molecular Genetics. Inspired by personal experiences, including her mother’s health condition, Manali found her calling in Genetic Diagnostics during her BSc project in Cytogenetic Diagnostics.
Facing challenges in securing a job in the UK’s NHS, Manali worked in various roles, including a Contract Research Organisation and a cytogenetics lab in India. Her persistence paid off when she secured a Genetic Technologist position at Birmingham Women’s Genetics Laboratory. Despite facing obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully obtained a work visa and started her current role in Prenatal Diagnostics.
In her role, Manali analyzes fetal samples, conducts chromosome analysis, and participates in multidisciplinary team meetings. She emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of prenatal diagnostics and the importance of prioritizing cases. Proud of her contributions to the lab, which handles over 50,000 patient samples annually, Manali reflects on the impact of her work on patient healthcare.
Manali encourages students to prioritize holistic development over top grades, emphasizing the value of exploring passions and engaging in extracurricular activities. Her future plans include continuing her work in genetic diagnostics in Birmingham and eventually exploring opportunities to improve genetic healthcare in India.
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