The twists and turns of a career with Rae Freestone – The Starlab Deep Dive #7

Twists, Turns, and DNA Storage: Rae Freestone’s Unexpected Science Journey

Episode 7 of The Starlab Deep Dive features Rae Freestone—lab technician, phlebotomist, DNA printer builder, and proud nerd. If that sounds like an unusual mix, that’s exactly the point.

This episode explores the less-linear paths into science. From forensics and food to pharmaceuticals and synthetic biology, Rae’s career has taken many unexpected turns—but always led somewhere meaningful.

A Journey Powered by Curiosity

Rae’s scientific journey began in food science, but quickly moved into forensics, analysing DNA evidence for the UK national database. After working with crime scene material, she moved through roles in genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and eventually landed at Cambridge Consultants—a place where all of that experience is put to use.

Today, Rae helps design, test, and improve solutions for global clients tackling real-world problems. And it all started with a willingness to try something new.

“Every time I changed paths, I learned something different. Nothing goes to waste.”

Building a DNA Printer (Yes, Really)

Among Rae’s projects is the DNA Print Engine—a device that converts digital data into DNA code for ultra-compact storage. Think: the whole English version of Wikipedia in a few microlitres.

The potential? Data preservation without huge servers, climate control, or risk of digital decay. It’s the kind of thing that sounds like science fiction—until you hear Rae explain it with her usual grounded clarity.

She’s also worked on rapid diagnostics, including a smartphone-based tool for detecting tuberculosis—cutting out lab wait times and reaching remote areas faster.

A Career Defined by Problem Solving

Whether testing medical devices or dismantling complex prototypes, Rae’s career has one constant: solving problems creatively and collaboratively.

“Every project, every client, every team brings something new. That’s what keeps it interesting.”

She also helped build emergency ventilators during the early COVID response—part of a 200-person team racing against the clock to deliver working solutions within six weeks. It’s this kind of hands-on work that shows science isn’t just theory—it’s action.

“You Can’t Say You Don’t Like It Until You’ve Tried It”

Rae is a strong advocate for stepping outside your comfort zone—especially in science.

Her advice for early-career scientists? Be curious. Be flexible. Don’t be afraid to try a field that’s unfamiliar. You never know where it might lead—or what skill might become your strongest asset later.

“You don’t need to stick to one path. You just need to approach each challenge with logic, interest, and a bit of creativity.”

Nerd, Teacher, and Team Player

Far from the lone scientist stereotype, Rae is part of a diverse team of interns, engineers, designers, and researchers. She values learning from others just as much as teaching—and is always happy to share her own experiences with those just starting out.

At Starlab, this episode is a reminder that science careers aren’t always straightforward—and that’s a good thing. There’s room for detours, restarts, and new passions.