Caroline is currently researching her PhD and acting as research technician at the University of Sheffield.
What are your career experiences since graduating from the University of Birmingham?
After graduating from the University of Birmingham, I started a graduate microbiology technician job working for a food company, testing food products for microorganisms, full time and part time whilst doing my Masters degree in Biomedical Science at Nottingham. After completing my masters degree, I worked as a cell culture and microbiology technician for Harlan laboratories, determining the carcinogenic properties of samples, under GMP, and for Cobra Biologics, producing antibodies, plasmids and viral vectors. I worked in clean rooms, GMP, CLAS and UKAS accredited laboratories. My time in industry has been a good experience, and has given me vital skills which have aided in my PhD and research technician positions.
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I have just finished a 3 year research project in which I was a research technician, involved in a European funded research consortium called Neurimp, in which I have been in vitro testing biodegradable polymers for use in a new novel Nerve Guide Conduit to be marketed. During this 3 year position, I have also done my PhD in Peripheral Nerve Repair and nerve tissue engineering. I have just started a 6 month post as a research assistant, working with an orthopaedics company, in vitro testing implants at the University of Sheffield, during which I am also writing up my thesis.
What is the best thing about what you are doing now?
Research is a big challenge in itself, but it teaches you persistence, patience and to not give up. I love my lab work and doing my experiments, writing reports and papers. I really enjoy going to local, national and international conferences and disseminating my results, listening to key note speakers and seeing what is being done in the field all around the world. What I love the most about my job is the ongoing support from my supervisors, lecturers and colleagues at the Kroto Research Insitutue at the University of Sheffield, giving us excellent feedback, constructive criticism and helping us overcome our challenges in our research.
Why did you originally apply to do Biomaterials at Birmingham?
Birmingham was still quite close to home but gave me enough distance. It is a fantastic university, with great research opportunities, excellent teaching facilities and I fell in love with the campus. I wanted to go somewhere with a good night life, as well as opportunities for me to carry on my extra curricular activities from school, such as singing, musical theatre and playing hockey.
How did your degree help prepare you for your career?
My bachelors degree at Birmingham has given me an all round knowledge of the field of Biomaterials, which has helped me a great deal during my PhD and current position. I was trained in cell culture during my final year which has helped me in all my positions. The medical device module has been the most useful in my current job, and my favourite modules were the laboratory assessments, Biomaterials interactions, regenerative medicine and emerging techniques. Every module I studied in Birmingham has helped me greatly during my PhD.
How would you sum up your time at Birmimgham in three words or less?
Life changing
What inspired you the most during your time at Birmimgham?
I really enjoyed my research project in my final year of study, as well as our practicals over the years. I was a member of the Biomaterials society in which we organised social events for the lecturers and students, such as pub quizes, bowling and Christmas meals. I was involved with singing and musical theatre societies as well as playing hockey.
What tips or advice would you guve people who are considering studying your course at Birmimgham?
Come to the open days and have a look around the campus, the research facilities, and lecture theatres. Have a walk around Selly Oak as you will most likely have a house there from second year. Visit all the halls of residence, student union and explore the city. Look through the module list. Every one will prepare you for a career in research, teaching, industry, and any postgraduate courses.
How would you advise people to make the most of their time on the course?
Make the most of your time at Birmingham and maintain a good work/social balance. You are there to work hard and do the best you can, but there are so many amazing opportunities and societies to get involved with. Birmingham has a great student nightlife, music, theatre, sport, food and comedy scene too. It is an incredible, multi diverse city with plenty of things to do and get involved with.