Isobel Goodger

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

I chose the University of Birmingham because it is a prestigious, research-intensive university with an excellent reputation for scientific innovation. What particularly attracted me was the Microbiome Treatment Centre (MTC), the only place licensed in the UK to make faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). As my PhD focuses on FMT as a possible cure for gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the MTC being at the forefront of this field gives me a unique opportunity to develop my own expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and work in an environment where my research has real potential for clinical impact.

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

I first became interested in the gut microbiome in Year 12, when I explored the topic at part of my EPQ. I was fascinated by how strongly the microbiome can influence health and disease, and this interest continued to grow throughout my time in undergrad. I became particularly interested in faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and how remarkably effective it can be as a treatment, being more successful than the antibiotics for recurrent Clostidium difficle infections. This made me question whether FMT could be used to treat other diseases beyond its current applications. That curiosity ultimately led me to choose this PhD, where I can explore the processing of FMT in greater depth and try and understand what is it inside an FMT that makes someone better. Hopefully I can contribute to research in understanding this exciting and rapidly developing field.

What do you enjoy most about your PhD?

What I enjoy most about my PhD is the variety of opportunities it gives me to develop beyond my research. As much as presenting my work can be scary the opportunities given such as poster presentations and the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) have been hugely beneficial and enjoyable as they challenge me to communicate my research in an engaging and accessible way. I also really value the people I meet, from my supportive lab group to researchers I connect with through networking. Being surrounded by people who are genuinely passionate and excited about their own research is incredibly motivating and makes the PhD experience even more rewarding.

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

The research environment has been incredible and extremely supportive. Throughout my first year I have always felt encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and take on new challenges, no matter how silly they seem in my head. My supervisors have provided excellent guidance while also giving me the independence to develop (and make mistakes) as a researcher. The supportive lab environment and the willingness of colleagues to share their knowledge have made me feel very well supported throughout my first year of my PhD.

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

My studies so far have given me a strong combination of technical and transferable skills that will be valuable for my future career. Through my PhD, I have developed a wide range of technical laboratory skills and gained greater confidence in designing, conducting and interpreting research, especially with a more critical mindset when it comes to published work. I have also developed strong communication and dissemination skills, particularly the ability to communicate scientific research clearly and effectively to a range of audiences, from specialist researchers to non-technical and public audiences. These skills have already helped me become a more confident and well-rounded researcher.

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

I am keeping an open mind about the exact direction I will take after my PhD, and I am excited to explore the different opportunities available to me. I am particularly interested in clinical research and clinical trials, as well as scientific communication and outreach. I would like to use the skills and expertise I have developed during my PhD to contribute to meaningful research and help translate scientific knowledge into real-world impact. My PhD will prepare me for this by developing my technical research skills, critical thinking, independence and ability to communicate complex science effectively to both specialist and public audiences.