Scientist
Name: Dr Iesha Watson
Age: 34
Appearance: Plump, short and youthful, people often mistake Iesha for a much younger woman despite the worry lines growing between her eyes and at the corners of her mouth. She typically keeps her kinky, chestnut hair in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, as professional as her neatly made-up face, freshly-pressed pants and finely manicured hands. A small gold ring hints at her failed engagement, but sits on her right hand rather than her left. She removes only when her work necessitates it.
Personality: Though equipped with a moral compass, it often takes backseat to Iesha's ambitions and desire for power. Unwilling or unable to endure the leadership of another, she prefers to take control of whatever situation she's in--a trait some people find enviable, some a godsend and others completely intolerable. With an innate sense of order and a bent for fast-paced problem-solving, she typically earns her place in the lead, even if she lacks the charisma to win her subordinates' hearts. Though she seems entirely uptight, Iesha has managed to neatly compartmentalize her professional life, leaving her free to unwind when the workday is done. Then she drinks and drunkenly debates science and faithless ex-lovers with anyone who can keep up.
History: Raised in a predominately-white school district, Iesha quickly learned to take initiative and became obsessed with defying the stereotypes thrust upon her. Supported by loving yet busy parents, she rose to the top of her class with relative ease, allowing no-one and nothing to stand in her way. University proved a more difficult challenge, yet she strode bravely onwards, grabbing opportunities as they arose and graduating with honors. Working hard to earn her PhD, she nevertheless allowed herself one small distraction in the form of a boyfriend, another graduate student, who after some years became her fiance. Having survived the rigors of post-graduate, Iesha found herself faced with a failing economy. Saddled with debts, she grew increasingly desperate to find a job, any job. A full year of unemployment took its toll on her pride and self-confidence, leaving her shattered, anxious and depressed. To make matters worse, it was at this time that her fiance left her, bored by her "languishing" and "indulgent self-pity". All her studying and sacrifice had come to nothing--at least until a former professor looked her up with news of a job offer. After several years working her way up the ladder, she has finally achieved a post in a study of interest and potential and she's not about to let anybody mess it up . . .
Reason for agreeing to take part in project: Mostly ambition and partly because she loves a challenge.
Department: Physiology
Random fact: Iesha likes to insist that people call her "Dr. Watson" but offers the cold shoulder to anyone who dares make Sherlock Holmes jokes about it. She hates animals in general and is afraid of birds.