I created my account mid-2008 and quickly fell in love with the mark-up. I'm not kidding. I'm a sysop and my RfA in 2009 was unopposed.
I lurk in many places but can usually be found doing history merges, or contributing at featured picture candidates, or making remarkably small edits to articles I happen to read. My primary passion on Wikipedia is researching and writing articles, particularly about insects, but it's time-consuming and I have few spare hours, so it isn't something I get around to often. I have 30 DYKs and a summary of some of my article creation and expansion work is here: User:Julia W/Navel gazing.
I used to attend Wikimeets in the Northwest of the UK and occasionally elsewhere in the country. I was somewhat involved with Wikimedia UK and assisted with training events. I now live in Dublin.
About me in real life
I'm a little bit of an adventurer and a dilettante. If I'm not in front of a computer (editing, gaming, or studying), I'll be with a book or a camera or a piano. I'm consumed by wanderlust and I love all things European. Learning makes me happy. My 9 to 5 is oncology research at a university in Ireland, investigating the mechanisms of resistance to anti-cancer treatments and finding workarounds, mainly focusing on the signalling pathways PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK.
I can't believe you shot through 25 DYKs and no one thought to give you this medal. Congratulations on all the hard work you've put into creating new content for the encyclopedia. Without people like you doing the proper work, the encyclopedia would be nothing. With you, it gives information to everyone. I'll let you add yourself to the List of Wikipedians by number of DYKs, where you thoroughly deserve your place. WormTT(talk) 08:20, 25 February 2013 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Diligence
This barnstar, for you, for starting Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates/Review of closure process. How appropriate that it took someone not fluent in photography and not all that old to the project to begin the process in cleaning the place up. Thank you. wadester16 04:25, 1 June 2009 (UTC)
The Guidance Barnstar
Thank you for all your help! I never could have got it done without you. Thanks again! — SpikeToronto 09:52, 23 January 2011 (UTC)
The Real Life Barnstar
Hi Julia, it was great to meet you today. I just wanted to say that you were brilliant—Rexx and I really appreciated having an extra pair of hands, and you looked like you were in your element talking people through their first steps on Wikipedia. I hope you enjoyed yourself, and that you'll come along to more events in the future. Best, HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 00:56, 13 November 2011 (UTC)
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
Dear Julie, thank you for being there for me, when I needed it most! Thank you very much for your kindness and your understanding! You are a very kind person, and a great administrator.--Mbz1 (talk) 03:35, 29 January 2010 (UTC)
The Exemplary Adoptee Barnstar
For you were truly a wonderful user to have adopted. Lucky me Regards SoWhy 11:07, 20 April 2009 (UTC)
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
Thank you for the great advice on Microphones, I am tremendously grateful. George2001hi 18:42, 29 November 2010 (UTC)
The Account Creation Barnstar
For meticulously creating 677 accounts in a little over 3 months and for having the fastest "request reserved" mouse finger in the ACC team - great work. Paxse (talk) 15:13, 19 March 2009 (UTC)
The Original Barnstar
For a keen eye and helping to fix the skittles page! Ottawa4ever (talk) 21:31, 29 August 2008 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Good Humor
That was hilarious! wadester16 18:00, 22 August 2009 (UTC)
The Kindness Barnstar
Dear Julie, you are a very sweet and gentle soul. Thank you very much for your kindness and uplifting inspiration. Gracias, Grancafé (parley) 14:50, 2 March 2010 (UTC)
Home-Made Barnstar
I award you, Maedin, with this special barnstar for all your contributions to the featured pictures nominations, not only here in the english wikipedia, but also in commons, a work that is not often appreciated. - ☩Damërung☩. -- 13:11, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Good Humor
LOL @ "Keep your grubby fingers off"!! ♦ Dr. Blofeld 14:59, 21 April 2012 (UTC)