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Unlocking Potential: UNIQ+ Students' Summer Journey
This summer, the Stathopoulou and Stone groups at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) had the pleasure of welcoming two students as part of the UNIQ+ research internship programme. These internships are designed to offer students from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to experience life as a postgraduate research student at Oxford, providing them with valuable skills, confidence, and experience during a seven-week placement.
Justine Sansome, a Biochemistry student from the University of Warwick, and Federica Floria, a Biomedical Science student from the University of Huddersfield worked closely with researchers, gaining first-hand insights into the world of scientific research.
A Summer of Discovery
Justine's project was under the guidence of cardiovascular theme researcher David Grainger. She approached her placement eager to acquire new skills and explore whether a career in scientific research was the right path for her. The hands-on lab work proved to be both exciting and rewarding, particularly the opportunity to engage with techniques such as sectioning, mounting, and staining. For Justine, the most captivating part of the experience was microscopy and imaging. "I have never seen samples in such amazing detail before," she shared. "It has enhanced my appreciation for the intricacies of scientific research."
Federica, who worked with Nancy Stathopoulou, focused on putting her theoretical knowledge into practice. Her goal for the placement was clear: to gain as much practical experience as possible while learning new theories and techniques. Federica was particularly excited by the independence she was given, which allowed her to plan and run experiments on her own, and appreciated the freedom to set her own hours. The opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers also enriched her learning experience. "It was exciting to see coursework theory come to life through real experiments," she said.
Supervisor Insights on Hosting a UNIQ+ Student
David Grainger, who mentored Justine, shared his thoughts on why he was motivated to participate in the UNIQ+ programme and how it benefited both his research and personal growth as a mentor.
What inspired you to take on a UNIQ+ student?
"The motivation behind the program—to provide students who may not normally have the opportunity to perform research at Oxford with the chance to experience it for themselves—is something I believe is mutually beneficial. It's rewarding for both the students and the research community."
How did having a project student benefit your research?
"Hosting a student helps keep day-to-day experiments in perspective. Teaching someone who is new to the field forces me to simplify complex ideas, making them more digestible. I was fortunate that Justine learned quickly and could assist with experiments I hadn't had time to perform myself."
How did you ensure the student gained meaningful experience while contributing to your research?
"Having a student is always a great way of keeping the day-to-day experiments in the broader context of the field. Teaching people who have no background in my field forces me to simplify complex concepts into more digestible concepts. I was also very fortunate that Justine learned very quickly and could help me with interesting experiments I didn't have time to perform myself."
In what ways did the student benefit from IDRM’s culture and resources?
"The IDRM's culture of openness and collaboration allowed Justine to interact with researchers from outside the lab, further broadening exposure to other research fields and to the career paths of the researchers in the building. This was also extended to the research project where we are constantly talking to other researchers on the floor to learn from their experiences in using cutting-edge research techniques."
How has mentoring benefited you personally and professionally?
"Mentoring a student always reminds me of why I was excited by developmental biology in the first place. The excitement of the students seeing their immunofluorescence staining down the microscope for the first time always memorable. Additionally, paying forward the advice I got from mentors when I was in their position is really fulfilling."
What advice would you give to other researchers considering a project student?
"I would really encourage them to do it! UNIQ+ select their students very carefully and it shows. My advice would be to make sure they're enjoying their time. It makes the experience much more enjoyable as a mentor and in my experience leads to better contributions to the research project."
Group leader Nancy Stathopoulou shared a similar motivation in offering a project for this programme, and ensured Federica was able to fully experience the collaborative and supportive environment of being part of a close-knit research team:
"I wanted to offer a motivated undergraduate student the opportunity to experience graduate study at Oxford, with the hope of inspiring them for their future career. Federica was an excellent addition to my team, I ensured she gained valuable experience by learning various techniques and participating in lab and department meetings. The supportive and collaborative environment at IDRM provided a great space for Federica to grow and improve her skills."
Looking Forward: The Impact of UNIQ+ on Future Researchers
The UNIQ+ internship programme is an invaluable opportunity for students to develop their research skills and explore their potential as future scientists. For Justine and Federica, the summer at IDRM offered more than just technical skills - it provided them with a deeper understanding of what a career in research could look like.
By participating in programs like UNIQ+, the IDRM continues to support the next generation of scientists, offering them the chance to work with leading experts and immerse themselves in an inspiring research environment. We look forward to seeing the future achievements of these talented young researchers and welcoming more students through initiatives like this in the coming years.
Learn more about the research carried out in the Stathopoulou and Stone Groups.
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