QUOD Team

At the beginning of September we welcomed our new Transplant Research Project Manager, Bhee Bellew. You can look forward to hearing more from Bhee as she settles into her new role, but for now here’s a short introduction:

What were you doing most recently before joining QUOD?
Decorating!  HR emailed to chase the photo required for my University Card, so underneath the dress I threw on there’s a paint-splattered t-shirt.  Work-wise, before my between-jobs break I’d spent many years at the University of Oxford, most recently managing a large grant in the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages.

What interested you about working with QUOD?
I’d applied for a number of roles when my last contract ended, and was in the fortunate position of having some options to choose from. I imagined waking on a dark, wet February morning during a difficult work week (all jobs have them), and which role would most motivate me to get out of bed…and QUOD was the answer. It’s the opportunity to support research with such fantastic impact.  Also, everyone seemed really nice at my interview!

What does your role in QUOD involve?
It’s my 8th day in the job so this is question I’m currently asking other people!  I support Professor Ploeg in managing his portfolio of research projects in transplantation.  This includes maintaining core project documents, financial administration, meeting arrangements, helping prepare reports for funders, and supporting bids for additional funding. In addition to QUOD, I provide support for the Consortium for Organ Preservation in Europe (COPE).

Lightning round time. Tea or coffee?
Tea.  The only acceptable place for coffee is in tiramisu.

Favourite place in Oxford?
Wytham woods.

Best holiday trip ever?
New Zealand. I’m fascinated by geothermal landscapes, and bathing in natural hot water is wonderful.  Easier to get to on a regular basis, I love the Isle of Wight.

Primary COVID-19 lockdown survival method?
My favourite yoga studio’s classes live-streamed to my garden.

Finally, what kinds of inquiries should people bring to you, and how best can they reach you?
Email me at bhee.bellew@nds.ox.ac.uk with QUOD admin or finance queries.

After seven years, QUOD’s founding National Operations Coordinator, Sandrine Rendel, moved on earlier this year to a new role at Imperial College. We remain deeply grateful for all that she has done to establish and grow QUOD! Fortunately, we have found an excellent new Coordinator in Dr. Sarah Cross, and we are quite excited for the depth and breadth of experience that she brings to QUOD. You’ll be hearing much more from her as she settles into the role, but here’s a little introduction.

What were you doing most recently before joining QUOD?
I have spent the past 14 years working as a Research Scientist in Islet Transplantation and as the Deputy Manager of the Human Islet Isolation Facility here in Oxford. This involved many long hours isolating islets for both clinical transplantation and research purposes, as well as leading a small team of researchers studying the impact of donor variables on isolated islet quality and function.

What interested you about working with QUOD?
Having been immersed in the field of transplantation for my entire career, I have seen the incredible impact that transplantation has on the lives of recipients. I have been aware of QUOD for a while and wanted to use the knowledge and experiences gained through my academic background to help drive QUOD forward to fulfil its amazing potential as a national bioresource to facilitate world-class research.  

What does your role in QUOD involve?
I’m only a few weeks into the role so I’m currently discovering this myself! However, my main duties involve coordinating the QUOD team both here in Oxford and at our hub sites throughout the country. I am responsible for the governance of QUOD and all the regulatory aspects of the QUOD biobank.

Lightning round time. Milk chocolate or dark?
Both, all chocolate is greatly appreciated!

Favourite place in Oxford?
As a keen runner I enjoy discovering the quieter parts of Oxford – an early summer’s morning run around Christchurch Meadow is idyllic.

Ideal holiday destination?
I absolutely adore New York and am fortunate to have a local guide whenever I visit as my brother lives there. 

Primary COVID-19 lockdown survival method?
I’m extremely thankful that I moved house last year to a home that has a separate office for me to shut myself away in and a lovely garden so the kids can run around and burn off their endless energy!

Finally, what kinds of inquiries should people bring to you, and how best can they reach you?
Please get in touch with any queries via my email – sarah.cross@nds.ox.ac.uk. If I don’t have the answer myself, I’ll pass it on to one of the other very knowledgeable members of the QUOD team!