Postgraduate student profiles

Hear from our past postgraduate students and find out more about what they've gone on to achieve since their time at Sheffield.

My year studying Molecular Biology and Biotechnology MSc

Linshu Xiong Molecular Biology and Biotechnology MSc

Linshu was looking for a hands-on masters course to build on her undergraduate studies in biotechnology. This course gave Linshu technical skills training including how to use industry-standard lab equipment, ready to pursue a PhD.

I wanted to become more knowledgeable in my field of ecological consultancy

Yeh Chi MSc Biodiversity and Conservation

Following his undergraduate degree, Yeh worked for Taiwan Rivers Network but soon discovered how much he'd benefit from gaining high-level skills in conservation and biodiversity through a masters. After his supervisor recommended Sheffield, Yeh came to study with us and has loved getting close to nature in the Peak District.

I draw upon what I learned at Sheffield pretty much every day

Niall Bradshaw BSc Biology with a Modern Language (now BSc Biology)

Niall's final year research project really helped to set the direction for what he wanted to do next. Niall chose to stay in Sheffield after his BSc, completing an MRes, followed by a PhD. Niall now works for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and draws upon what he learned at Sheffield almost every day.

From BSc Zoology to a career in genomics

Lizzie Waddilove MSc Human and Molecular Genetics

Whilst studying BSc Zoology at Sheffield, Lizzie became interested in genomics and its applications to human health. Thanks to the in-depth laboratory training Lizzie received on the Human and Molecular Genetics MSc, she's now secured a job at the prestigious Francis Crick Institute in London.

My research project allowed me to investigate ethnic inclusivity within anatomical science modules

Natasha Noel-Barker MSc Human Anatomy with Education

Natasha’s research project allowed her to investigate ethnic inclusivity within anatomical science modules. She hopes that her research will make a positive contribution to the experiences of future students and ensure that their voices are heard.

The MSc gave me the skills I need to kick-start my career in biotechnology

Nataya Deans MSc Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery

Nataya wanted a masters course that would give her the skills and intensive training she needed to pursue a career in biotechnology. During her course, Nataya learnt various laboratory techniques, statistical programming, bioinformatics, and how to use scientific databases and high-throughput technology. Thanks to this experience, Nataya has now completing a PhD here in Sheffield.

I'm now ready to apply my new skills and knowledge to a career in conservation

Geraldine Burns MSc Biodiversity and Conservation

The MSc allowed Geraldine to develop a broad knowledge of biodiversity and conservation topics, a relatively new field for her. Throughout the year Geraldine learnt how to code and developed her field, analytical and statistical skills thanks to her research project. Geraldine now hopes to apply her new knowledge and skills making valuable contributions to conservation in the UK.

The MSc helped me to discover a love of teaching and now I'm an Anatomy Lecturer

Danya Stone MSc Human Anatomy with Education

By leading practical anatomy classes as part of her MSc, Danya discovered a love of teaching and a career she never expected to pursue. Thanks to this experience, Danya is now a Lecturer in Anatomy at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, teaching anatomy to undergraduate medical, biomedical, and neuroscience students, and postgraduate physician associate students.

My masters gave me a strong foundation in my field which has prepared me for my PhD

Timothy McGowan MSc Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

Timothy enjoyed completing his masters research project so much that it convinced him to continue his studies to the next level. He's now a PhD at the University of Basel, Switzerland investigating how muscle stem cells regenerate damaged muscle tissues.

My masters helped me to secure a PhD position at Sheffield

Tom Burgess MSc Antimicrobial Resistance

Tom wanted a masters course that would combine all his interests in molecular pathogenesis, microbiology, cell biology and immunology, whilst giving him the lab experience to progress onto a PhD. Thanks to his studies and the support of his lecturers, Tom has accepted a PhD position at the University of Sheffield, researching Hif modulated neutrophil responses to fungal infection.

School of Biosciences