For me, the attraction of science is the pleasure of experimenting and discovery. From childhood days of making crystals or mixing vinegar and baking soda, I was attracted by the theory and practice of chemistry, and studying for a chemistry degree was a no-brainer. Laboratory work at university reinforced this interest, eventually leading to a lifetime career in research. An early surprise discovery was that our bodies continuously produce destructive chemicals called free radicals. This stimulated my curiosity to discover what free radicals do in our cells and how they protect themselves, and directed my career into exploring the ramifications for health and disease.