Hi, I'm Kathryn!

I've been a Research Scientist, a Lecturer in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and a Science Writer, but the unusual thing about me is that it all started with a degree in Fine Art.

I went to art school in Falmouth, Cornwall (UK) - a little college by the sea - but while my fellow students were making etchings of sea shell still lives and creating stormy oil paintings, I found my inspiration in the biology textbooks in the art school library. I made a collection of Cell Paintings, which sparked such curiosity in me that I went on to study Molecular Cell Biology to PhD level, building a career as a researcher and Senior Lecturer, before switching to Biotech. This project will immortalise some of those early Cell Paintings, and push me to make more.

All backers will have access to the full range of Cell Painting Magnets and other options right from the start. However, as the campaign grows, I'll be making more Cell Paintings! These will be unlocked as new rectangle magnets - and backers will also have the opportunity to be rewarded with the original artwork.

If you join the campaign in the first 48 hours, your reward will include a free Podocyte Magnet. These are a special kind of kidney cell, with long finger-like foot processes that wrap around the blood vessels in your kidney, forming a sieve to remove unwanted waste from your blood and filter it into your urine. These magnets commemorate the nearly 10 years I've been working on podocytes, but act fast! These Podocyte Magnets are a limited edition of 20 and I won't be making any more!

For this reward, I have added a small round 12.5 mm diameter magnet to the back of a laser-cut wooden podocyte that was made for a demonstration I did once of how I used microscopy images in my scientific research. The wooden podocyte is 38 mm wide and 28 mm tall. It is 4 mm deep or 5 mm deep including the magnet.

A free Skin Bacteria Sticker will be offered to returning backers. This illustration accompanied a blogpost I wrote last year about re-engineering the bacteria in our bodies to treat diabetes. I imagined the Staphylococcus epidermidis like tiny machines, sensing the amount of glucose in the blood and responding by administering an appropriate amount of insulin. The original illustration was made using watercolour and black biro.

For this pledge level, the illustration will be available as a sticker. It will be 80 x 80 mm square with a narrow white border and a glossy finish. It will be made from durable vinyl for fast and easy bubble-free application.

If you followed the campaign and go on to back the campaign after launch, you will receive a free Compartmentalisation Sticker as an extra reward. This sticker is 80 x 58 mm rectangle with a narrow white border and a glossy finish. It is made from durable vinyl for fast and easy bubble-free application.

I've joined forces with Jess aka Loadofolbobbins! Inspired by her fabulous Marvellous Moths sticker campaign, I've created my own moth sticker - but with plant cells! This exclusive sticker features the Setaceous Hebrew Character moth on a background inspired by leaves under a microscope. I think it could also be the aerial view of a city!

This is a 80 x 80 mm square sticker, and it's yours completely free if you back both of our campaigns. Check out Jess' campaign by clicking on the picture below.

Shipping is charged at the end of the campaign via backer survey. You will have to pay for shipping in order to receive your rewards as the shipping is not included in your pledge amount before the campaign ends.

UK backers: Rewards will be sent out via Royal Mail 48hr Tracked post (approx. 2-3 working days). Estimated shipping price £3.00 magnets / £6.00 for artwork.
 

International backers (non-UK): Rewards will be sent out via Royal Mail International Standard by default, which is estimated to take 6-7 days.
Estimated shipping price (without tracking) £4.50-7.50 magnets / £10.00-£17.00 for artwork.

Please note that international backers are responsible for all import and custom duties that may be incurred in their country.

This project is part of the Super League of Science, a curated group of science-inspired crowdfunding campaigns all launching together on BackerKit.

Every project in the League explores science in its own way — through art, storytelling, collectibles, games, zines, apparel, and more. Some dive into physics or space, others into biology, chemistry, tech, or science history. All of them celebrate curiosity and imagination.

My project uncovers the microscopic world inside cells.

Be sure to check out the rest of the League — you might discover something surprising.

Returns will be accepted for refunds.

I will check all rewards for defects before sending them out, but if you find a flaw or any damage, please send photographic evidence and I will send out a replacement.