Rebecca's Story

‍What did you enjoy most about your studentship?

I enjoyed the autonomy of my studentship more than anything else. Although the overarching themes and aims of the project were pre-determined when I applied, I have played a large role in experimental design, problem solving and complex hands-on work throughout the duration of my studentship. This has equipped me well for further study, giving me many skills such as time management and problem solving which will become invaluable to me as my career progresses.

Moreover, I have enjoyed the array of laboratory techniques I have been able to try. My project has primarily consisted of Barcoded Phosphoflow, however I have been able to try various different protocols within the lab, including maxi-prep of DNA for lentivirus and western blotting.

How has your GenRes experience impacted you and has it given you a different perspective on anything in particular?  

GenerationResearch has shown me that a career in science is a lot more accessible than I ever imagined it would be. Over the course of the summer, I have worked with people from various different backgrounds, all of whom have taken different paths to get to the stage of the career they are in. Moreover, the community and collaborative spirit of being a part of a lab longer term is truly something that I will never forget.

"GenerationResearch has shown me that a career in science is a lot more accessible than I ever imagined it would be"

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Do you have any words for our GenRes funders?

I would say a massive thank you. This opportunity has been once in a lifetime for me, and I am eternally grateful for the chance to discover what a career in science would potentially entail. I am especially grateful that I got to experience life in academia in a different place - being able to converse and network with people out in the US has potentially opened some very exciting doors for me in the future, and given me confidence in the fact that the skills I have developed are transferable. I wish I could truly express how grateful I am for everything that GenRes has given me, but it's difficult to put into words.

Rebecca completed her summer placement in 2024 with Vanessa Scanlon at the Yale School of Medicine in the USA and with Ian Hitchcock in Biology at York.

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