Course: Biological and Chemical Sciences
Supervisor: Dr. Jason Bennet
Name of Research Project/Activity: Unlocking a NF-κB pathway targeting strategy in endometriosis
Q) Can you tell me a bit about yourself, your background, and why you chose to study the course you are taking at UL?
I am currently a first-year student pursuing a degree in Biological and Chemical Science. Growing up I always had a keen interest in the sciences. From tv programmes to science fiction, I always found myself drawn to the subject. Upon the commencement of my leaving cycle, I knew that biology and chemistry were the right options to pursue, so I did just that. I enjoyed both the enlightenment and challenge they provided me with and knew that a degree that implemented these two would be the right option for me. When I found out that UL, being in such proximity to me, had a programme that included these two subjects and along with it a co-operative opportunity in the years to follow, I was certain that this was the degree for me. Upon completion of my first year, I am glad to say that this is indeed the degree for me.
Q) What motivated you to apply for the UPSTaRT Programme?
Researching is something that I never really thought about. When I heard that UL offers research opportunities to undergraduates, I decided to try it out and see what learning experiences I could obtain. The UPSTaRT programme was a perfect opportunity for me as it allowed me to choose to do research. I believe the experience of being mentored by a lecturer who is an expert in their field of research will give me useful skills that I can utilise for the remainder of my years at third level.
Q) What are you doing as part of your research here at UL?
The research work that I am undertaking this summer deals with the medical condition, endometriosis. Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder that affects 10-15% of women of reproductive age. My research involves doing laboratory work coupled with reading scientific articles about endometriosis. Within the labs, I work closely with my supervisor Dr. Jason Bennet, and two masters students, observing techniques such as Cell Culturing, Western Blotting, and PCR (RT-PCR). The remainder of my work consists of reading scientific literature that details the role of the NF-kB pathway within endometriosis and compiling it to be used as a resource later on. I am also working on a paper detailing the role NF-kappaB in endometriosis.
Q) What skills have you developed over the summer?
I learned many skills throughout the summer. Conducting research allowed me gain insight into a field that would have been more difficult to research on my own. Research has also taught me how to read articles and pick out key details. I learned how to write a research-based essay and in turn, developed my writing skills. Shadowing masters students has allowed me to see first-hand how advanced laboratory techniques are carried out. It has opened my eyes to all the different skills required to perform such experiment's including precision and most importantly patience.
Q) What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others?
This experience has taught me many things, the most important being to try something new. Before applying for the programme, I did not know if research was for me. Now, I am so excited to look for more research opportunities in the years to come as it really is an experience like no other.
Q) What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research?
In the future, I would be more than happy to work in a bio-pharma company, but I also have a keen interest in pursuing medicine as a postgraduate degree. I would love to do more research in the future, and I would consider a career in research further down the line!