Stuart Hunt

Non-clinical lecturer in Human Anatomy, University of Sheffield

I look back on my time as a PhD student in MBB with great fondness and on reflection realise that it was my best learning experience throughout my years in education. I was attracted to MBB due to the Department’s excellent research rating and found that it offered so much more than just a centre of research excellence.

I studied for my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Jeff Green and thoroughly enjoyed my time in his laboratory, acquiring experience in a large number of molecular biology techniques. I was integrated into a lively, sociable group of post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers, who had a focussed, but relaxed attitude to work. We had weekly lab meetings to discuss our data, troubleshoot experimental problems and present journal articles. As part of my training I participated in the Research Training Programme (RTP) and attended the UK Grad Programme at Lake Windermere. I was also lucky enough to have a 3 week collaborative placement with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, learning new techniques.

The sociable atmosphere that I enjoyed in my lab was also mirrored throughout the whole Department, with people meeting for coffee in the Kres Room and frequent evening outings to the Interval Cafe Bar. We also enjoyed each other’s success in our yearly PhD student symposium and 3rd year poster day, for which I won a prize.

The molecular biology experience and communication skills that I developed during my time in MBB were instrumental in me gaining a position as a post-doctoral research associate, which led to me realising my career aspiration of securing a permanent lectureship position.