This year, the Infection Neuroscience Lab hosted three students (college and university level) for their summer studentships scheme. Students Megan Gannon, Rebecca Todhunter and Jana Alhamoud spent eight weeks with Dr Cordelia Dunai and Professor Benedict Michael to learn about neuroscience research and what working in a research lab is like.
We interviewed each of the students, who are all at different stages of their education journey, to find out more about what they learnt and what they gained from having the chance to work in a lab.
Could you introduce yourself?
Megan: My name is Megan Gannon and I’m entering my third year of the BSc Biology course at Liverpool John Moores University.
Rebecca: I’m Rebecca Todhunter, a second-year neuroscience student at the University of Nottingham.
Jana: My name is Jana Alhamoud, and I am currently in Year 12 at The City of Liverpool College, where I study the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
Why did you choose to do this studentship?
Megan: This studentship and laboratory appealed to me as the research here surrounds neurological functioning in the context of infection, findings can be used to help contribute to bettered patient outcomes in the future; this is something I am passionate about when thinking about a future career. When researching this laboratory, it became clear that I could learn a lot from a studentship there and that it’d be an incredible opportunity that I didn’t want to miss out on.
Rebecca: I chose this studentship because of my interest in neuroscience, and the processes involved in writing and publishing research articles. I was initially looking what research was going on in my local area and came across the COVID-CNS study and blood brain barrier model research, which I thought was very interesting and worth looking more into.
Jana: I chose to do this studentship because I have a strong passion for Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and I wanted to experience how scientific research is applied in a real clinical and laboratory environment. The Walton Centre is a leading institution in these fields, and I knew it would be the ideal place to explore my interests and gain exposure to research that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
How was the studentship valuable?
Megan: I had so many opportunities during my time here, and through a mixture of hands-on experience, theoretical learning, and shadowing, my experience here has helped me with my future career planning. I now have insight into the process behind publishing papers and have gained practical experience in cell culturing Vero and Jurkat cells and qPCR. I have been able to shadow investigations including the use of the SIMOA for neurofilament research which was very interesting.
Rebecca: This studentship gave me hands on experience with research techniques I had previously studied in my university course such as cell culture and qPCR, and also strengthened my knowledge of laboratory research methods. Since research is a career I’m considering, this was a great opportunity to contribute to ongoing research and get an idea of what it is like.
Jana: The studentship was extremely valuable because it gave me a real insight into how scientific research is done in a professional lab setting. It was my first time being part of a research environment, and it helped me understand how science moves from theory to practical application. It helped me develop a stronger work ethic, improved my lab awareness, and showed me the kind of environment I want to be part of in the future.
What are some of the transferable skills that you have learnt?
Megan: Through this studentship I have developed my communication, time management, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills. This has been supported by journal club sessions, RStudio sessions, practical working in the laboratory and through learning and taking in so much new information!
Rebecca: During the studentship I learned how to interpret and analyse complex data, and it has also taught me how to think critically. I have learnt the importance of collaboration and teamwork in scientific research. The skills I learned here will all be useful for my future career, and even my final year project at university.
Jana: One of the main skills I gained was understanding the attention to detail needed in cell culture and qPCR work. Following protocols carefully and accurately is incredibly important since even small errors can affect the outcome of an experiment.
Was it as you expected?
Megan: It surpassed my expectations, I didn't know what to expect from a working laboratory, but I really enjoyed the style of working and thought all the projects were very interesting. The environment here means that everybody is very open to learning which makes it a nice place to be when you are a student there to learn.
Rebecca: At first, I was expecting to be mostly observing, but there was more hands-on experience than I thought. I was slightly nervous to begin with, as most of the laboratory techniques were new to me, but there was always help available, and the environment was very relaxed.
Jana: In some ways, the studentship was what I expected since it was a professional, research-focused environment, and I knew I would be observing and learning from experienced scientists. But it also went beyond what I imagined. I didn’t expect to be involved in as much real lab work as I was, especially with cell culture and qPCR techniques. Being trusted to take part in the process, rather than just watching, made the experience much more meaningful.
Would you recommend it to other students?
Megan: Definitely! Everybody here has been very welcoming, the Infection Neuroscience team are all friendly and open to answer any questions you may have!
Rebecca: I would definitely recommend it, especially for students interested in what scientific research is like. From talking to other postdoctoral researchers and PhD students there, I got more of an idea of what my career might look life after university. I also think it’s a great opportunity to get speaking to others who have the same interests as you which I really enjoyed.
Jana: Absolutely. It’s a rare chance to step into a real lab environment, see how professional scientists work, and get involved in research that matters. Even if you’re not 100% sure what path you want to take, this kind of experience can help you figure it out.
Any advice for future students?
Megan: Apply! There is a lot to learn from studentships, and the team here is very supportive.
Rebecca: Definitely look at the research and ask labs around you if they are willing to host work experience, any form of work experience is valuable and a great opportunity to network with other scientists.
Jana: My advice to future students is to make the most of every moment and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You might feel nervous at first, especially in a professional lab environment, but remember that you’re there to learn and everyone knows that. The more curious and engaged you are, the more you’ll gain from the experience.