Getting Curious with Katherine Lancaster-Mercer
We are very excited to welcome Katherine to the Curious Health team as our new Senior Account Executive!
Katherine has an international background with a bachelor’s in environmental science and health from McGill University in Canada and an MSc in Women’s Health from UCL. This undergrad degree started her interest in how the world around us can shape health outcomes and inequalities.
She decided to focus on women’s health for her master’s and wrote her dissertation on menstrual cycle phase impact on cognitive health in female footballers.
She has professional experience across healthcare consultancy, research, and teaching that have brought together skills in establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with high levels of empathy and collaboration.
Beyond her professional experience, she has been committed to public health and improving health equity and access to care through volunteer roles in sexual health testing and education at Positive East and women’s health advocacy through maternal health research at KCL.
Why did you want to join Curious Health?
At the age of 8, I was given an award for “being the kid who asked the most questions” on my football team. Asking questions and being curious about the “why” and how things work has always been integral to my outlook on life. Therefore, the encouragement to apply this thinking to health with a focus on accessibility and equality was a key aspect that drew me to Curious Health. When I met the team, their energy, compassion, and drive made me confident that this was an environment I wanted to be a part of.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a scientist and an artist.
What was the last song you listened to?
Noah Kahan – Paul Revere
What do you do when you’re not working?
I love getting outside and hanging out with friends. I enjoy getting out to go for a row on the river.
I like to always have a creative project going as well, whether that’s ceramics, sewing, painting, or building something in our garden!
Do you have a go-to karaoke song?
Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
Tell us an embarrassing moment
I lost a coin toss in university and went out with the rest of the rowing team (in normal going out outfits) while I had to wear an all-white rowing uni suit.
It was a look for sure.
What’s something you saw recently that made you laugh?
One of my friends was racing in the Brompton World Champs last weekend, and seeing the racers cycle around the track on their folding bikes in their fancy dress costumes was a top entertaining event of the year for me.
What’s something you’ve done, but you’ll never do again?
Doing a free fall zip line! I will stay on the ground thanks.
What’s your favourite TV show?
Schitt’s Creek never fails to make me laugh.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about people and creating relationships and connections that really have the ability to make change.
I enjoy meeting new people and learning how to best work together tackle challenges and collaborate. My background in rowing was a real example to me of how striving for mutual goals through teamwork, commitment, and strong communication could build a boat that clicks and moves together for the best outcomes. I’m passionate about bringing this experience of teamwork to other parts of my life and to just enjoy the day-to-day interactions with others!
