Unsung Hero – Gulnur Abdullayeva

Ms Gulnur was born in Tashkent and raised in Almaty, Kazakhstan where her family originate from. She spent her childhood with her maternal grandmother and uncles. As she has always been joyful and happy she was the youngest and favourite niece.

Ms Gulnur’s father was a renowned Biology Professor and her mother a History Teacher. Growing up many of her father’s international colleagues and friends would visit the house and discuss topics in  Biology and wider scientific research. Ms Gulnur says “growing up Biology was everywhere” and this certainly sparked a love of Biology in her.

As a child Ms Gulnr had 5 dogs, many cats and numerous plants. Today she has one dog whose best friend is a parrot! Her interest in Biology led to a real love, understanding and responsibility towards animals and plants, which continues to this day. Ms Gulnur’s mother also shares her passion for horticulture, especially growing roses and their garden is full of fruit trees, plants and amazing flowers. Therefore, every year BST staff are blessed with cherries, apricots, apples and pears.
Ms Gulnur completed her Bachelors and Masters in Biology in 2014. She then worked for a Lyceum under Westminster University for seven years as a Science Teacher. In 2016, she joined BST as a Science Technician and loves helping staff and students here. Ms Gulnur loved teaching Biology but her preference is research. Her current role involves preparing materials and equipment for science lessons, maintaining science laboratories and equipment, ensuring high standards of health and safety are adhered to and supporting the teachers in the Science Department. In future, she wants to continue pursuing her interest in Biology.

Ms Gulnur enjoys meeting people from different cultures, whether that is BST staff, students or friends from different countries. In future she would love to travel more. However, at the moment during her spare time Ms Gulnur works very hard with friends, family and BST Share a Dream team to regularly give to those less fortunate. She is especially devoted to children suffering from cancer and gives generously of her time, her amazing cooking skills and financially. Once Ms Gulnur is married she would like to adopt children as she feels she could provide a good family for orphaned/neglected children.

Ms Gulnur’s motto in life is “nothing is impossible”  and we look forward to sharing her future adventures. You never know she could be the next Charles Darwin.