We asked some of our students and graduates to share their experiences of studying in the School of Biosciences, and to tell us what they've ended up doing with their degree.
During her third-year project, Federica investigated the acclimation mechanisms in English ivy. This experience sharpened Federica's research and laboratory skills and she has since accepted a PhD position within the same lab here at Sheffield.
Chris’ MBiolSci in Zoology has given him the chance to get hands-on experience in an active research lab working alongside PhD students. It also gave him the opportunity to carry out his own research project while on a field trip in Wales.
Dr Tom Young
MBiolSci Ecology (now Ecology and Conservation Biology)
The applied nature of Tom's 4th year MBiolSci research project led him to pursue a PhD in the department following graduation, working with an external company to develop data to inform new product ranges. It's this experience that Tom now uses every day as Technology Manager for the STRI Group.
Sarah French
Graduate role: Genomics STP, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Sarah was able to pursue her interest in genetics as part of her undergraduate degree, which she built on with a MSc in Human and Molecular Genetics. This included a 10 week placement with the pre-karyotyping oncology team at Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, and led to a place on the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
Henry Ellison
BSc Biology (now Biological Sciences)
Henry’s time as a Sheffield mentor not only improved his communication and time-management skills, but also gave him the opportunity to meet new students and help them as they adjusted to university life.
Tim Fulton
MBiolSci Genetics (now Biological Sciences)
For his fourth-year research project, Tim worked alongside Professor Julie Gray to investigate how rice plant leaves correctly pattern the stomatal openings on the underside of their leaves. This research is currently under review for publication.
Ellie found Microbiology intriguing from the very start of her degree. During her final year research project, Ellie worked in one of our microbiology labs, allowing her to put what she'd learnt so far in her degree into practice and make connections between academic work and real-world applications.
Amyleigh chose to study Molecular Biology at Sheffield because of the flexibility our courses offer. She was able to study a wide range of topics, before eventually deciding to pursue immunology (the study of the immune system).
Georgia Mills
Graduate role: Radio Producer for The Naked Scientists at Cambridge University
Georgia’s MBiolSci in Zoology led her to work for the BBC and ABC Australia, making podcasts and science programmes. The skills she gained at Sheffield have given her the tools needed to interpret scientific findings and communicate them accurately and without hyperbole.
