We asked some of our students and graduates to share their experiences of studying in the School of Biosciences, and to tell us what they've ended up doing with their degree.
During her second year, Holly did a placement with Kirkstall, a Rotherham-based biotechnology company. This placement gave her insight into science outside of academia and helped secure her industry-funded studentship for her PhD at the University of Cambridge.
Olga Kondrashova
BSc Biology with Placement Year (now Biological Sciences)
Olga spent her placement year working at the Field Studies Council on the doorstep of Snowdonia in North Wales. During the year, Olga took part in biological surveys, conservation projects, outdoor education and adventure activities.
During her third-year project, Federica investigated the acclimation mechanisms in English ivy. This experience sharpened Federica's research and laboratory skills and she has since accepted a PhD position within the same lab here at 91Ö±²¥.
Chris’ MBiolSci in Zoology has given him the chance to get hands-on experience in an active research lab working alongside PhD students. It also gave him the opportunity to carry out his own research project while on a field trip in Wales.
Dr Tom Young
MBiolSci Ecology (now Ecology and Conservation Biology)
The applied nature of Tom's 4th year MBiolSci research project led him to pursue a PhD in the department following graduation, working with an external company to develop data to inform new product ranges. It's this experience that Tom now uses every day as Technology Manager for the STRI Group.
Sarah French
Graduate role: Genomics STP, 91Ö±²¥ Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Sarah was able to pursue her interest in genetics as part of her undergraduate degree, which she built on with a MSc in Human and Molecular Genetics. This included a 10 week placement with the pre-karyotyping oncology team at 91Ö±²¥â€™s Children’s Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, and led to a place on the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
Henry Ellison
BSc Biology (now Biological Sciences)
Henry’s time as a 91Ö±²¥ mentor not only improved his communication and time-management skills, but also gave him the opportunity to meet new students and help them as they adjusted to university life.
Ellie found Microbiology intriguing from the very start of her degree. During her final year research project, Ellie worked in one of our microbiology labs, allowing her to put what she'd learnt so far in her degree into practice and make connections between academic work and real-world applications.
Amyleigh chose to study Molecular Biology at 91Ö±²¥ because of the flexibility our courses offer. She was able to study a wide range of topics, before eventually deciding to pursue immunology (the study of the immune system).
