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Students from across Life Sciences have been participating in the Turing Scheme, travelling to countries around the world to gain work experience in the sectors related to their degree.

The University of Sussex has been awarded funding from Turing Scheme every year since its launch which enables students to undertake work internships abroad. For the fourth consecutive year, Sussex has received funding from the UK Government’s Turing Scheme. Life Sciences offer a broad range of activities from conservation work in Ecuador and Zambia as well as an advanced Neuroscience Techniques Internship at ELTE in Budapest and a Biostatistics Internship in the regional hospital on the outskirts of Verona in Italy.

This year, we have supported 6 students by the Turing funding awarded to the University. The School’s Director of International Affairs, Dr Haruko Okamoto said, “this year, we are very proud that we have supported many widening participation students for those we offered extra funding both towards the weekly bursary as well as for the flight for which were secured from the Turing”. In addition, two students received the STEM Merit Award from the School’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion group for their outstanding performance at the institution. The internships at ELTE, Budapest, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria in Verona, and Reserva Tesoro Escondido in the Chocó lowlands and Fundación Cambugán both in Ecuador, were coordinated by Professors George Kemenes, Leandro Castellano, and Fiona Mathews, respectively.

Here are the stories from our Life Sciences Turing Internship 2024 participants:

International Biostatistics Internship at IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria in Negrar, Verona, Italy

A Journey of Growth and Discovery
Christah Edgar, MSci Biochemistry

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern in biostatistics at IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, located in the picturesque town of Negrar, Verona, Italy. Working alongside dedicated medics, academics, and health professionals at this renowned healthcare research centre, I gained not only technical skills but also a deeper appreciation for the vital role data analysis plays in shaping medical research and improving patient care. 

Throughout my internship, I was engaged in analysing clinical data to identify patterns that could lead to better health outcomes. Each day presented new challenges, from reformatting and preprocessing data to conducting regression modelling to explore the relationship between survival rates and specific treatments. A significant part of my responsibilities also involved meticulously entering information for patients participating in clinical trials, which required a high level of precision and attention to detail. This task underscored the critical importance of accuracy and adherence to ethical standards in healthcare research. Every data entry involved real patients with unique medical histories, reinforcing the responsibility that comes with handling such sensitive information. 

This hands-on experience not only deepened my understanding of biostatistics but also brought my academic learning to life, offering practical insights into the complexities of clinical research data. One of my key projects involved designing and analysing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using real-world data. This was a particularly rewarding experience as it directly applied concepts I had studied in the classroom. My supervisors provided exceptional guidance, challenging me to take initiative and refine my skills. Their mentorship played a crucial role in enhancing both my technical expertise and confidence. 

Reflecting on this experience, I am especially grateful for the support of the Turing Scholarship and the STEM Merit Award from the School of Life Sciences EDI group. These awards have been invaluable, not only in providing financial assistance but also in affirming my passion and commitment to STEM. This opportunity has reinforced my desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of biostatistics. The encouragement I received through these recognitions has reminded me that dedication and hard work can open doors to incredible opportunities. 

This internship has also inspired me to consider a research career, with plans to pursue a PhD and potentially a postdoctoral position in Italy or elsewhere in Europe. The collaborative environment, emphasis on innovation in health sciences, and the unwavering support of my supervisors in Negrar have strengthened my resolve to take the next step. I am now more determined than ever to contribute to biostatistics projects that drive meaningful societal change.

 

My Time at Unità per la Ricerca Clinica IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria
Molly Abraham, MSci Biochemistry

In the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to work at the hospital in Negrar, Italy, for four weeks alongside my coursemate. Most of our time was spent in the Biostatistics Department, where we focused on analysing data from clinical trials. Our primary task was to create graphs using R Studio from the provided data and then draft accurate descriptions to be included in the results sections of clinical trial protocols. Having no prior experience with R Studio, I quickly learned valuable coding skills and developed a deeper understanding of the platform.

Beyond the technical skills, I gained an appreciation for the importance of accurate data analysis and the complexities of developing protocols for clinical trials and observational studies. It became clear how critical precision and attention to detail are in this field.

We also spent significant time in the Radiotherapy Department, which was particularly fascinating. We observed doctors as they planned radiotherapy treatments tailored to each patient. Our main responsibility in this department was data entry for ongoing clinical trials and enrolling new patients in trials. The hospital houses one of only two AI-powered radiotherapy machines in Europe, allowing us to witness groundbreaking clinical trials firsthand.

Additionally, we had the privilege of attending a series of lectures on novel radiotherapy treatments, presented to specialist doctors from across Europe. Although highly technical, these lectures provided an in-depth understanding of how innovative treatments are applied to specific types of cancer.

This experience offered invaluable insights into the diverse range of careers available both within and beyond the hospital setting, including roles in clinical trials, regulation, and ethics.

We are immensely grateful for the STEM Merit Award and the EDI Group Scholarship, which helped fund our placement. Without this support, this transformative experience would not have been possible.

A special thanks goes to Professor Massimo Guerriero, Dr Nicoletta De Santis, and the entire team at Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria for making this programme possible and for their warm hospitality throughout our stay.

Advanced Neuroscience Research Internship at Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary

My Experience at ELTE University
Alissa Francis, MSci Biomedical Science

I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a Turing Scheme placement at ELTE University in Budapest. This International Advanced Neuroscience Research Placement deepened my interest and passion for neuroscience while broadening my understanding of what a future research role might entail.

The experience was both challenging and immensely rewarding, as it was unlike anything I had participated in before. The support from the staff at ELTE, particularly in the lab, was exceptional, fostering a positive and encouraging environment. I especially appreciated the high level of independence I was granted, which allowed me to grow and thrive, while also learning to manage tasks and problem-solve on my own. Although there were moments of difficulty, the unwavering support from the ELTE staff ensured that these challenges were never long-term obstacles.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the placement was learning new techniques, such as the patch-clamp technique, and understanding how critical variables can influence results. Without this opportunity, I would not have been able to gain such extensive hands-on experience in these advanced methods.

I believe this experience will have a lasting positive impact on my future academic pursuits and has further solidified my passion for neuroscience.

A Summer of Science
Indigo Dovi-Dotse, MSci Biology

I undertook my Turing Scheme internship at ELTE University in Budapest under the kind mentorship of Professor Katalin Schlett and Bencsik Norbert. In the lead-up to the placement, several meetings gave me a clear understanding of the programme: I would be working alongside professionals on a four-week research project in a real lab environment, culminating in a written paper and a presentation of our findings. With a bursary that covered my living costs, my lab partner and I boarded a flight to Budapest and arrived smoothly at the university dormitory that would be our home for the next month.

It was thrilling to be part of a real lab. Both of us received keycards, which gave us access and made us feel like genuine scientists. I have fond memories of commuting to the lab, donning my lab coat, and reviewing protocol documents to prepare for the day’s experiments. During our initial meeting with Professors Katalin and Bencsik, we were introduced to the subject of our research: the different types of neuronal plasticity and the role of the protein Caskin1 in cLTP.

From Day 1, our work was hands-on. We were actively involved in every stage of the experiments, from dissecting mouse embryos to harvest hippocampi, to performing x-ray chemiluminescence to develop signals from Western blots. Each task was a learning experience, especially since I had never done such intricate lab work before.

As a Biology MSci student, most of my lab experience is concentrated in the final year of my degree, during my master’s project. While I had participated in some lab work during the earlier years of my course, I was eager for more hands-on experience to help determine whether a career in laboratory research was right for me. This neuroscience placement was a perfect fit, aligning with my academic journey, as I have taken at least one neuroscience module each year and am currently working on a neuroscience-focused dissertation.

The skills and knowledge I gained during this internship continue to benefit me. I frequently reference this experience to showcase my expertise, and it will undoubtedly be invaluable as I progress in my future career as a scientist.

We’d like to thank Drs Katalin Schlett and Bencsik Norbert for their guidance to the two students.

 

Internshiship at Reserva Tesoro Escondido in the Chocó lowlands and Fundación Cambugán, Ecuador

A Reflection on My Time in Ecuador
Codey Sharp, BSc Zoology

Reflecting on my five-week internship in Ecuador, organised through the University of Sussex, I gained invaluable skills and insights that have profoundly influenced my perspective on potential career paths. This internship offered hands-on experience in fieldwork and environmental monitoring, including water quality surveys, setting up camera traps, gardening, and creating GPS plots. Navigating challenging terrain for GPS plotting was one of the most demanding yet rewarding aspects of the experience. Additionally, I was able to refine my data collection and Excel skills, both of which are crucial for data analysis in my Zoology BSc degree.

My first week in Quito included Spanish lessons, which proved essential in bridging language barriers throughout the internship. This skill became particularly valuable in remote villages, where clear communication was vital for completing tasks effectively. Beyond fieldwork, the internship offered enriching experiences such as teaching English at a local school. This opportunity helped me develop communication and adaptability skills while sparking an interest in education. Following this, my peers and I organised a village-wide litter cleanup, which strengthened my leadership skills in a cross-cultural setting.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the internship was interviewing locals about the impact of Andean bears on their crops. Hearing firsthand about issues such as crop loss due to wildlife introduced me to the field of human-wildlife conflict as a potential career path. This experience ignited a passion for pursuing work that combines ecological research with community engagement to address such conflicts. The internship as a whole has inspired me to seek a career focused on balancing conservation efforts with the needs of local communities.

Among the many activities, I particularly enjoyed the insect and bird surveys, where I had the chance to observe incredible species I had only dreamed of seeing—especially toucans. The experience also immersed me in Ecuadorian culture and the local environment. I tried sugarcane for the first time, participated in a nighttime insect survey, and stargazed in the Cambugán cloud forest. Unforgettable moments included falling into the spikiest tree imaginable and encountering some of the largest spiders I’ve ever seen! Watching a local football tournament was another memorable highlight.

Overall, this internship strengthened my commitment to a career centred on conservation and community engagement. It left me with invaluable memories and skills that I will carry with me into the future.

Ecuador Report
Harrison Green, BSc Ecology and Conservation

During my time in Ecuador, I had the incredible opportunity to work with two organisations in the northern part of the country: Reserva Tesoro Escondido in the Chocó lowlands and Fundación Cambugán in the higher-altitude cloud forest. Preparing for this journey involved learning basic Spanish, researching local conditions, and acquiring appropriate clothing, bug spray, and equipment. 

At Tesoro Escondido, I collaborated closely with researchers, conducting various surveys, including a herpetological survey during night hikes in the forest. I also contributed to the construction of a new classroom by sanding wooden foundations and installing signs throughout the reserve. My days were spent immersed in the rainforest, where I encountered extraordinary wildlife, from insects and snakes to critically endangered monkeys—and even a jaguar, though only through camera trap footage. 

At Cambugán, my work focused on engaging with local farmers to conduct interviews about the impact of Andean bear populations on their crops. This work was part of ongoing research by Professor Fiona Mathews. I also assisted in setting up camera traps to monitor bear activity. Additionally, I worked alongside Dr Ana Mariscal and a local guide, Carlos, to establish plots in primary and secondary forests. This required trekking through dense forest to create hectare plots and helping a PhD researcher use advanced laser technology to scan tree species. 

Throughout my time at Cambugán, I formed strong bonds with some of the locals and the family I was staying with. As an ecology and conservation student with a passion for tropical ecology and herpetology, being in this ecosystem was a dream come true. I had the rare opportunity to observe exotic species like dart frogs and glass frogs—experiences I could never have in England or Europe. 

The fieldwork experience I gained was invaluable. I improved my species identification skills, deepened my understanding of specific anatomical features, and, most importantly, enhanced my problem-solving abilities by learning to adapt quickly in challenging field conditions. This trip offered more mental and physical growth than I had anticipated. I now have a clear understanding of how to plan and execute fieldwork, from managing equipment to maintaining the physical endurance required for such demanding environments. 

This experience will be immensely beneficial as I pursue a career in conservation. Having fieldwork experience in tropical ecosystems aligns perfectly with my aspirations. Contributing to Fiona’s research, particularly by setting up camera traps and offering input on project tasks, was deeply rewarding. Knowing that my efforts contributed to academic research gave me a sense of accomplishment. 

At Cambugán, Ana shared her in-depth knowledge of conservation efforts, explaining their strategies to protect land for Andean bears while addressing human-wildlife conflict in local communities. Her intelligence and dedication to both conservation and community well-being were truly inspiring, and I felt privileged to be part of such impactful work. 

I am incredibly grateful for the support provided by the university through Turing funding, which was instrumental in subsidising costs such as gear, site fees, and flights. This financial assistance made my trip possible and enabled me to gain an invaluable experience that I will carry forward in my academic and professional journey. 

We’d like to thank Dr Ana Mariscal for her support of the two students. 

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