Uresha Patel, BMedSc Biomedical Materials Science 2012 | Research Associate

uresha patel 450x450Uresha Patel graduated from Biomedical Materials Science in 2012. Uresha currently works as a Research Associate at the University of Nottingham.

Can you tell us more about your current role?

Currently I am a research associate at the University of Nottingham investigating the use of Sustainable Advanced Materials for water treatment applications . Making use of  the multidisciplinary skills gained during my education has enabled me to apply them into other fields outside of Biomaterials. 

What do you love the most about your job and what is the biggest challenge?

I love working as part of a bigger team to see the impact research can really have on the lives of others. When in research it is so easy to dive into the nitty-gritty aspects of a project, and as important as fundamental research is to progress in the field, I love to see how what you are developing will impact the wider public. This role has enabled me to take charge of my own lab work and research as well as interact with companies and technology transfer experts which has allowed for me to engage in entrepreneurial activities. When in research and in innovative environments, so many opportunities and pathways constantly emerge, and one of the challenges I have found is trying to focus your energy on just one route without diverging from your main goal in a given period of time. That is another challenge in this role, time and money is finite. 

How did your degree help prepare you for your career? What subjects/ modules/ experiences did you find the most valuable?

The opportunity to cover a wide range of modules encompassing material science, physiology and anatomy, experimental techniques and hands on practical and clinical experience really set me up to pursue a career in a wide variety of options which may not have been possible otherwise. This also provided me a good foundation to build on and the confidence to venture into new areas. 

What attracted you to studying at Birmingham?

The city life as it was possible to always find something fun to do and the high quality of academic excellence associate with the University. 

How would you sum up your time in Birmingham in three words?

Fun, eye-opening and life changing 

What inspired you most during your time at Birmingham? For example, guest speakers, lecturers, research, friendships, extra-curricular activities.

The small communal feeling the course had between both lecturers and students as well as amongst peers in all three years since this provided a great learning environment and help was always at hand, you never felt alone. What inspired me the most was my final year research project as this really opened my eyes to career possibilities I had not considered previously and led me to completely changing my future directions. 

What tips/ advice would you give to people who are considering studying your course at Birmingham? 

Talk to current and past students who have been through the experience. Come and get a feel for the city and the campus as this will be your home for the next few years. 

How would you advise people to make the most of their time on their course? 

Take every opportunity you get, keep an open mind and enjoy yourself as time will fly quicker than you know it. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make the most of your time at University as the memories will last with you for a life time, but also keep a good work/social balance as the people you network with and the skills you gain could potentially set you up for the future.