Get to Know
Sara Rankin
Discover why we turned Sara into a superhero
WHO IS
SARA RANKIN?
Name: Sara Rankin
Occupation: Biologist
Nationality: British
Sara Rankin is a British scientist who studies how the body can heal itself using special cells called stem cells. She works at Imperial College London where she teaches and runs a lab. Her research focuses on using the body's own bone marrow stem cells to fix things like broken bones, heart problems, and injuries.
She’s also helping scientists understand how the body can stop damage and start repairing itself—like a superhero for cells!
Sara has dyslexia and dyspraxia, which are part of being neurodiverse. That means her brain works in a different way—and that’s her strength! She’s really passionate about helping other neurodiverse young people see that science is for everyone. In fact, she started a project called 2eMpowerUK, which runs science workshops just for teens who think and learn differently.
Occupation: Biologist
Nationality: British
Sara Rankin is a British scientist who studies how the body can heal itself using special cells called stem cells. She works at Imperial College London where she teaches and runs a lab. Her research focuses on using the body's own bone marrow stem cells to fix things like broken bones, heart problems, and injuries.
She’s also helping scientists understand how the body can stop damage and start repairing itself—like a superhero for cells!
Sara has dyslexia and dyspraxia, which are part of being neurodiverse. That means her brain works in a different way—and that’s her strength! She’s really passionate about helping other neurodiverse young people see that science is for everyone. In fact, she started a project called 2eMpowerUK, which runs science workshops just for teens who think and learn differently.
In The Remarkablz Universe, Sara was no ordinary teen. After a school trip to a radiotherapy center when a burst of bioenergy surged through the lab. Instead of harming her, it rewrote her DNA. Overnight, Sara gained the power of regenerative healing.
Superhero Backstory
SARA'S COMIC BOOK COVER EXPLAINED
This issue of "Amazing Scientists" is reminiscent of Marvel's 1970 comic cover designs. In the mid-70's, Marvel introduced a coloured band at the top of some of their comics. Here are the drawing's hidden treasures:
- The design on Sara's outfit is the logo of Imperial College School of Medicine.
- Imperial College London features in the background.
- Sara, founder of 2EMpower, is dyslexic and dyspraxic and works to improve STEM education for neurodiverse children and young adults.
Pick & Fix?
Sara talks about stem cells. She explores the super powers of stems cells, including their ability to transform into all kinds of different cells and to fix your body.
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside your bones. It makes important parts of your blood, like red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that help your blood clot. Bone marrow also contains stem cells, which are special cells that can turn into different types of cells your body needs. Scientists like Sara Rankin study these stem cells to learn how they can help the body heal itself by repairing things like broken bones or damaged organs. Even though it's hidden inside your bones, bone marrow is essential for keeping you alive and healthy. Want to find out more about bone marrow? Watch this video from Operation Ouch to learn more!
Stem cells are special cells in the body that can turn into many different types of cells, like muscle cells, brain cells, or blood cells. They are like the body’s raw materials or “master cells,” because your body uses stem cells to grow and heal, especially when you’re young.
Scientists study stem cells to understand how we might use them to treat injuries or diseases—like fixing broken bones, healing the heart, or even repairing parts of the brain. Find out more about Stem cells in this video from the Khan Academy.
Scientists study stem cells to understand how we might use them to treat injuries or diseases—like fixing broken bones, healing the heart, or even repairing parts of the brain. Find out more about Stem cells in this video from the Khan Academy.
- Did you know that Maggie Aderin-Pocock is also Dyslexic!
- Many people believe that Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci were dyslexic.
- Everyone has a unique iris pattern, just like fingerprints.
- Sara Rakin is dyslexic and works to improve STEM education for neurodiverse children and young adults.
What is Bone Marrow?
4 Famous Dyslexic Scientists!
Who wants to be a biologist? Learn all about scientists who study life -- like where they do their jobs, the questions they ask, and the tools they use! You can find out more in this video by SciShow Kids.
What Does A Biologists Do?
What are Stem Cells?
Thirty Trillion Cells: How Your Body Really Works.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
The tiniest building blocks of life are crammed amongst the pages of this book, waiting to be discovered. From individual cells to complex systems, discover how your body moves, grows, breathes, senses, thinks and feels. You can find out more this book by Isabel Thomas here.
"...It was just a matter of finding out for myself how I could learn and memorise." Sara Rankin
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