Isabel Barnfather

Isabel Barnfather (2025, DPhil Oncology) is the current WCR LGBTQ+ Officer.

What brought you to Univ?
I was awarded an Oxford-Radcliffe scholarship, which is specific to Univ. However, if I were to go back in time and apply specifically for a certain college, I would absolutely still choose Univ. It is on the smaller side, which gives it a strong sense of community and a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. The WCR has a really strong presence in the College, which is so important as a post-grad, and there are lots of other cancer scientists which is ideal. First year post-grads are also lucky to be able to live in the gorgeous houses on Merton Street, such a central location. I really can’t imagine completing my DPhil elsewhere.

Why did you choose your course and what are you enjoying about it?
I am fascinated by the way cancer interacts with the immune system, how tumours can essentially ‘hijack’ the body’s own defences to survive and grow. My project explores how the nervous and immune systems interact in colorectal cancer after radiotherapy, in the hopes that we could reprogramme those interactions to improve treatment responses. This is a relatively new area of cancer research, which is exciting and really motivating, if a bit daunting. My research is very exploratory, and I’m enjoying being able to follow the data and see what shape my project will end up taking.

Do you have any advice for settling into life in Oxford?
It’s a classic but get involved! Go to the slightly awkward social event. Try a society you’ve never considered before. Oxford can feel intimidating at first, especially academically, but once you meet people you get on with and find hobbies you enjoy, you’ll feel much more settled. Equally, don’t run yourself into the ground going to every social event and society. The term time can feel really hectic, but as post-grads the majority of us are here year-round. Take time for yourself and don’t rush to fit everything in.

What does being WCR LGBTQ+ Officer entail?
The role is about representation, advocacy, and community-building. Primarily, it involves organising events and ensuring that LGBTQ+ post-grads feel safe, visible and connected. I also think a key part of the role is being a friendly face that students know they can turn to, whether to raise an issue, for a quick chat, or for advice about who on the College Welfare team can help.

What do you hope to achieve in this role?
I hope to strengthen the sense of community amongst LGBTQ+ post-grads at Univ, encouraging students to meet other queer people that they may not have interacted with through general College events or their courses. I’d love to create more cross-college collaboration, increase visibility during key moments like LGBTQ+ History Month, and ensure that incoming students immediately feel that Univ is a supportive and welcoming community.

What does LGBT+ History Month mean to you?
LGBTQ+ History Month is both a celebration and a reminder. It celebrates the achievements, resilience, and joy of queer communities across generations, but it also reminds us that visibility and rights have always been hard-fought. It’s a nudge to reflect on the relative comfortability of LGBTQ+ lives nowadays in countries like the UK, recognising that equality and safety are not universal experiences.

What has been your favourite moment at Univ so far?
The Christmas formal was really good fun. The hall was decorated beautifully and the choir lead hymns between each course which was great fun. We got a bit too enthusiastic and attempted to sing the descant along with them, to varying levels of success. The 12-days of Christmas was mayhem. After the formal all the post-grads went to the WCR for more drinks and some dubious dancing. It was a really lovely evening and a great way to round up our first term at Oxford.

Describe Univ in three words.
Warm, historic, supportive.