Emily Burke

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

The University of Birmingham has a solid reputation for conducting excellent research, especially in the biomedical and life sciences fields, which is why I chose it. With access to first-rate resources, knowledge, and a cooperative research community, the institution offers a fantastic setting for interdisciplinary study. The university's excellent campus and convenient proximity to the city also drew me in!

What made you choose your course, and what interested you most about the subject?

I wanted to get a deeper grasp of microbiome science and contribute to research that could address significant health concerns, which is why I decided to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Because of its potential clinical importance, I was very excited about the chance to study the oral microbiome and investigate novel methods for comprehending and affecting microbial populations. I'm particularly intrigued by the emerging trend toward pro-microbial approaches, which focus on understanding and promoting beneficial microbial communities rather than just harmful species, and how this can influence future medical tactics.

What do you enjoy most about your PhD?

The chance to explore a research subject in a lab setting and contribute to the creation of new knowledge is what I find most enjoyable about my PhD. I found that I truly enjoyed the process of planning experiments, resolving issues, and using findings to address scientific queries during my undergraduate placement.

I have been able to keep honing these abilities during my PhD while also getting expertise in a variety of fields, including scientific communication, data analysis, laboratory procedures, and critical assessment of research. Seeing how individual trials advance a broader research objective and how each finding advances our knowledge of the greater scientific subject is what I find most enjoyable.

How would you describe the research environment, supervision and support you've received during your studies?

The research environment at the University of Birmingham has been very supportive and collaborative. I have benefited from working alongside researchers with a wide range of expertise, which has encouraged me to develop both scientifically and personally. My supervisors have provided valuable guidance and support while also giving me independence to develop my own ideas and approach problems creatively. I am also a part of a doctoral training programme funded by the Medical research council here at Birmingham. This has provided me with additional support and training, which I have found particularly useful as an early career researcher !

How have your studies helped you develop the knowledge and skills you'll need for your future career?

I'm gaining a wide range of abilities from my PhD that will be useful for my future profession. In addition to learning more about microbiology and the biomedical sciences, I'm honing my abilities in data analysis, scientific writing, project management, experimental design, and research presentation. Working through challenging research problems has also improved my resilience, problem-solving skills, and capacity for independent work.

What are your career goals after completing your PhD, and how have your studies prepared you to achieve them?

I intend to pursue a career in research after earning my PhD, either in academia or in a business setting where I can use my expertise to tackle significant biological and medical issues. I'm hoping that the time I have left at Birmingham will help me get the self-assurance and independence I need to advance as a scientist!