Cancer Research UK

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The London Research Institute conducts comprehensive PhD and Postdoc training programmes, and are supported by highly trained scientific and administrative staff. 

Nuffield Bursary Profile

Vicki Highland worked at our Clare Hall Laboratories with the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme, find out more about her placement below.


During the summer of 2006, I spent 4 weeks carrying out a research project in the Cell Cycle Control laboratory of the LRI under the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme. I had recently completed my AS Levels and whilst I knew that I wanted a career in ‘scientific research’, I had little knowledge of what I wanted to research or exactly what the career
entailed.


The aim of my project was to produce a soluble form of Xenopus cdc2 protein. It involved performing restriction digests, gel electrophoresis and western blotting (which would prove very useful when I came to learn about the techniques in A-level biology) and gave me the best possible start to learning good laboratory practice. I was able to attend lab meetings and talk to many of the scientists that work there, which gave me a real insight into the level of teamwork involved in carrying out successful research. I also gained some tangible benefits from the experience: once I had finished my project, I produced a report for which I was awarded a gold CREST award by the British Science Association. A few months later, I was invited to enter their national Science Fair, where I won the AstraZeneca young Innovator’s Award, for which I was given work experience at AstraZeneca and a laptop!







 

Vicki Highland


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


However, the most important thing that my time at the LRI gave me was the inspiration to pursue a career in cancer research. Almost as soon as I arrived and began to discuss my project with my supervisor, Dr Jane Kirk, I was struck by just how much science existed beyond the confines of the national curriculum and I was instantly fascinated by the work I saw. I found that I particularly enjoyed the molecular approach taken by much of the research at the LRI, and for that reason I decided to study Chemistry at university. During my degree I have studied a whole range of disciplines, from biochemistry to quantum mechanics, and have gained a broad understanding of the reactions and forces that govern the microscopic world. Once I have graduated, I will be applying this knowledge to a research project in epithelial stem cell biology as part of a postgraduate Master’s degree.


The work done by the scientists at Cancer Research UK remains as important as ever, and as I have progressed through my degree I have begun to truly appreciate both the complexity of their research and the extent of the challenge they are facing. I hope that the career choices I have made will soon allow me to achieve my ultimate goal of pursuing a career in cancer research, so that I can begin to make my own contribution to their vital work.


Vicki now has a research position at the CSCR: Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge.


 


During the summer of 2006, I spent 4 weeks carrying out a research project in the Cell Cycle Control laboratory of the LRI under the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme. I had
recently completed my AS Levels and whilst I knew that I wanted a career in ‘scientific research’, I had little knowledge of what I wanted to research or exactly what the career entailed.
The aim of my project was to produce a soluble form of Xenopus cdc2 protein. It involved performing restriction digests, gel electrophoresis and western blotting (which would prove very useful when I came to learn about the techniques in A-level biology)and gave me the best possible start to learning good laboratory practice. I was able to attend lab meetings and talk to many of the scientists that work there, which gave me a real insight into the level of teamwork involved in carrying out successful research. I also< gained some tangible benefits from the experience: once I had finished my project, I produced a report for which I was awarded a gold CREST award by the British Science Association. A few months later, I was invited to enter their national Science Fair, where I won the AstraZeneca young Innovator’s Award, for which I was given work experience at AstraZeneca and a laptop!