Tell me about your experience on the internship programme
My experience working in a lab was incredibly rewarding. Unlike in practicals, where we usually conduct isolated experiments, the lab environment allowed me to engage in a structured series of experiments that built on each other. This systematic approach not only made the work more engaging but also gave me the chance to refine techniques and correct any mistakes as I went along.
Participating in journal clubs (where, weekly, lab members discussed the latest research papers in the field of chromosome biology) and the CBRG meetings (Weekly seminars organised by the CRB theme in the department) expanded my biochemical knowledge significantly. I also valued the opportunity to discuss techniques and research insights with others in the lab, learning from their experiences and approaches to biochemistry. Engaging with researchers from my lab as well as those from other labs on the floor helped me understand how one approached an important scientific problem. This interaction was especially helpful as I consider my own academic and professional goals.
What impact has it had on your studies?
Completing an internship before starting my Part 2 project in the fourth year has been incredibly valuable. It gave me hands-on lab experience and allowed me to work through common mistakes, which will help me approach the Part 2 project with greater confidence and efficiency. This experience has also been beneficial for exploring future academic paths, helping me consider options such as a DPhil.
One highlight of the internship was presenting my results in the lab meeting. My discussion with the lab PI beforehand was invaluable—he emphasized the importance of presenting research in a clear manner that is accessible to everyone, a skill that greatly enhanced both the lab meeting and my preparation for future talks. This practice in presentation and storytelling will make future talks much smoother. Additionally, attending various seminars during the internship exposed me to different areas of biochemistry, giving me insight into fields I might enjoy pursuing in the future.
What was your key takeaway?
My research internship was invaluable, enriching both my current studies and my perspective on future academic paths. Immersing myself in the lab environment offered essential insights into the research process and strengthened my interest in pursuing a DPhil, which I’m now considering more seriously. Unlike typical term-time lab work, this experience revealed the continuous, iterative nature of scientific discovery. Working daily with biochemistry fuelled my intellectual curiosity all summer, allowing me to refine my technical skills in a way coursework alone couldn’t achieve. While I had previously encountered many of these methods, seeing their nuanced applications in real research added depth to my understanding. My supervisor’s commitment to ensuring I grasped the purpose and intricacies of each experiment heightened my appreciation for the meticulous precision that research demands.
Would you recommend the internship scheme to others?
Absolutely—my research experience was invaluable in helping me assess a potential career in academic research, particularly in deciding whether to pursue a DPhil. Early on, my supervisor emphasized the inevitability of setbacks in research, underscoring that success often depends more on resilience than on avoiding challenges. In my brief six-week placement, I faced several unexpected obstacles that put this principle to the test. While daunting in such a compressed timeframe, these challenges were instrumental in building my problem-solving skills and adaptability under pressure. Learning to stay productive and focused amid circumstances beyond my control provided me with a realistic view of the demands and rewards of research. This hands-on exposure has been essential in helping me make a well-informed decision about a future in research.
So, finally, tell us about your project
My project, titled "Can Catenations Withstand Tension from Spindle Fibres in the Absence of Cohesin?", explored the mechanisms that underpin sister chromatid cohesion. Currently, cohesin; a ring-shaped protein complex is thought to hold sister chromatids together. Recent results from the Srinivasan lab suggest that in addition to cohesin, DNA catenations are important for cohesion. My project aimed to assess the individual contribution of cohesin and catenation to this process. Although I did not have enough time to complete all the experiments I had planned, I was able to generate all the reagents necessary to address my question. I am looking forward to completing the experiments when time permits.
