Case studies: PhD student, molecular and genetic medicine: Reuben

Reuben built on the knowledge gained in his biological sciences degree and MRes in Molecular and Cellular Biology to gain funding for a PhD...

I really enjoyed both my undergraduate and Masters courses. My undergraduate course gave me good broad knowledge of biology and biological concepts and was very useful for understanding how to approach certain scientific questions. My Masters course then provided me with crucial hands-on laboratory skills as well as practical and planning skills.

I particularly enjoyed the Masters course as it was lab based and allowed for more practical learning. I found it rewarding to have my own lab project to work on. This has continued as I’ve started pursuing my PhD.

After earning my Masters degree, I knew I wanted to go on and pursue a PhD. I applied for PhDs at several universities. Upon applying to separate projects at the University of Sheffield, my current supervisor emailed me about her PhD and the opportunities available in her lab. We then submitted a proposal for funding.

My background in biology was very important and relevant to securing my place in the PhD programme. I consistently use the skills and knowledge gained in my previous academic experience, and I have found that my undergraduate and Masters courses have helped prepare me to be successful in my current work.

A typical working day for me is split 50:50 between working in the labs on experiments and working in the office on paperwork, my lab book, compulsory modules, data interpretation and presentation. My favorite part of the work is having my own individual project to work on with various questions to answer. I like spending my time doing experiments in the lab in order to answer these questions. The independence is rewarding but the work also allows for collaboration and joint effort with colleagues.

The most challenging part of the PhD programme has been writing up and doing the compulsory modules alongside the lab work.

My advice for students and graduates who want to pursue a PhD is to get as much experience as you can. Laboratory experience is particularly helpful in the biological sciences. It is also important to learn from experienced people quickly and find a topic in which you can get really interested.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

February 2010

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