As part of our 50 Years of Girls at Rugby School celebrations, we are reconnecting with former female Rugbeians and staff to reflect on their time at Rugby and explore the paths their careers have taken since leaving.

To mark International Women’s Day, we are sharing a series of features on current student Lana, Deputy Head Lara Hampton, and Rugbeian Beth Harvey-Jones, now a researcher in clinical oncology.

In this feature, Rugbeian Beth Harvey-Jones (B 03-08) reflects on her time at Rugby, her journey into clinical oncology research, and her aspirations for the future.

Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to become a researcher in cancer biology?

Of course! I’m a doctor living in London with my husband, Nick, and our one-year-old daughter, Penny. I’m nearly at the end of my registrar training in clinical oncology, which means I treat patients with different types of cancer - though I’ve always had a particular interest in breast cancer.

I’ve loved science for as long as I can remember, and during medical school at Bristol University I did an intercalated degree in cancer biology. That experience really confirmed for me that I wanted research to be part of my career, not just patient care. A few years later, about a year into my specialist training, I took time out to do a PhD in cancer biology, which I finished in 2024. Since then, I’ve been working as an academic clinical lecturer funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, splitting my time between the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research. It’s a busy but incredibly rewarding mix of science and medicine.

What are you doing now, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My research focuses on understanding why some patients with advanced breast cancer stop responding to treatment - particularly those with hereditary forms of the disease. We’re trying to figure out how to predict treatment resistance and tailor therapies based on the biology of each person’s cancer.

What I love most is the balance between the lab and the clinic. It’s so fulfilling to see how the science might one day directly improve patient care. Working with such a talented, multidisciplinary team means I’m constantly learning - every day brings something new.

What was the biggest challenge you faced within your career, and how did you overcome it?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has definitely been one of the biggest challenges. In medicine and research, it’s easy for work to take over every waking hour. I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, that taking time to rest, connect with family and friends and look after myself actually makes me far more effective and fulfilled in the long run. Setting clearer boundaries and learning to say no when needed is the key to finding that balance and I’m still working on this!

Whilst here at Rugby, were there any teachers or members of staff who had a lasting impact on you, and what are some of your favourite memories?

Yes, absolutely - my chemistry teacher, Dr Morse, had a huge impact on me. His enthusiasm for chemistry and ability to make even the most complex topics engaging really sparked my interest in research. He put up with a lot and we always had a great time in his lessons. I also remember the sense of community and the friendships formed through house life and sports matches - the girls I lived with in Bradley are still my best friends now. There was always endless laughter during lessons (sorry!), and too many hilarious memories to put down on one piece of paper.

This year marks 50 years since girls joined Rugby School - an incredible milestone. How do you feel that your time at Rugby shaped who you are today?

My time at Rugby gave me confidence and resilience. Being part of a community that valued both intellectual curiosity and individuality helped me develop a strong sense of self. The encouragement to think independently, speak up, and pursue what genuinely interested me has carried through every stage of my career.

What advice would you give to the girls currently at Rugby, or those wanting to join?

Take every opportunity that comes your way, both academic and co-curricular, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path. Rugby offers such a breadth of experiences and you never know which one might spark a lifelong passion. Also, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out; growth and discovery often happen in unexpected ways.

Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known during your time here?

I wish I’d realised sooner that everyone feels uncertain sometimes. At school it’s easy to assume that everyone else has things perfectly under control, but in truth, we’re all figuring it out. I’d tell my younger self to enjoy the journey more and worry less about perfection.

What does it mean to you to be part of Rugby’s history, especially in this 50th anniversary for girls at the School?

It’s incredibly special to be part of that story. Knowing that we were among the early generations of girls at Rugby and seeing how far the School has come in 50 years is something I feel really proud of. It’s wonderful to think of how many talented, confident young women have passed through since, continuing to shape Rugby’s legacy and making it an even stronger, more inclusive community.