My Summer in Research in the Faculty of Life Sciences

Two undergraduate students, Catherine Palmer and Alexandra Hotson, did just that. They successfully applied to Medical Research Scotland Undergraduate Vacation Scholarship scheme alongside their respective supervisors Dr Amy Lloyd and Professor Susan Wyllie. They share with us their experiences of taking their learning beyond the lecture theatre. 

“This scholarship has made me want to apply for a Masters/PhD and go into research as a career.” 

We asked Catherine Palmer, a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences student, about their summer research experience studying how microglia metabolism contributes to Alzheimer's Disease pathology in the lab of Dr Amy Lloyd. 

The project introduced Catherine to a wide range of new laboratory techniques such as flow cytometry, microscopy and tissue culture, that would allow her to answer scientific questions. 

"I've benefitted massively from learning new techniques. [I used] image analysis to identify changes in mitochondrial protein expression, and immunohistochemical analysis to identify mitochondrial density changes and morphology in plaque-associated and non-plaque-associated microglia. I helped create MitoQC and AutoQC BV2 cell lines and used these to identify if amyloid beta could induce autophagy directly. 

“I've loved meeting a bunch of lovely girls in the lab who I immediately clicked with and made my experience so special.” 

Catherine summed up her experience as “Fascinating, insightful and fun!” 

“An incredibly inspiring experience that has strengthened both my scientific skills and my aspirations to pursue a career in research” 

For Alexandra Hotson, a BSc (Hons) Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery (with a year in industry) student, a summer project was an opportunity to study the action of antimalarial medicines in Plasmodium spp. parasites and experience life in the research lab of Professor Susan Wyllie. 

“I have particularly enjoyed being able to contribute to a research project with the potential to make a direct and positive contribution to the field of drug discovery. It has been amazing to learn as an undergraduate student from such an enthusiastic and supportive group of researchers. 

“[I had] the privilege of observing all of the disciplines within the group. I have gained experience in the organic synthesis of chemical probes; including compound purification and characterisation. I was very lucky to be able to work within the Containment Level 3 facility to shadow and work with Plasmodium falciparum to perform various assays and learn about the maintenance of cultures. There was also the opportunity to work alongside the proteomics specialists and to learn how to complete the relevant data analysis. 

“I feel better equipped moving towards my year in industry and honours project in due course. On a personal level, my confidence and independence as an aspiring researcher has improved. 

“I would also like to acknowledge how enriching it has been to study at a university that facilitates and encourages undergraduate internships and research opportunities. Being able to engage with the university’s research community has formed a large part of my degree experience, and I am very grateful.” 

About Summer Internships 

This paid experience usually takes place prior to an undergraduate students' final year of study (end of level 3). Students apply for funding alongside their selected potential supervisor. These competitive funding schemes are offered by learned societies and other funding organisations. 

More information on the process: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/life-sciences/internships  

Information on the Medical Research Scotland Vacation Scholarships: https://medicalresearchscotland.org.uk/undergraduate-vacation-scholarship/