What attracted you to the MRes in Biomedical Research?
The structure and design of Imperial’s MRes in Biomedical Research is what initially attracted me to the course. As I was taking my first steps into the
world of research, I wanted to build a solid research foundation, as well as studying a broad range of topics. The course offers two separate projects, which provides me with a chance to learn from experts in multiple fields and explore different areas of research, helping me discover my long-term research interests.
What specific area of study did you focus on?
I did my first MRes project in the field of metabolomics focusing on designing a workflow for the structure elucidation of urinary metabolites.
What aspects of working with your supervisor(s) were especially useful in bringing about a positive educational experience?
I feel a good lab-based research educational experience is built on good communication between supervisor and student. As a student without much experience in this area of research, I'm not afraid of asking questions or seeking help from my supervisor, and my supervisor was also willing to communicate with me giving me support in acquiring knowledge and skills. Our frequent communication and trust in each other meant that my research questions were solved quickly, and they also helped me to be gradually more confident and independent in doing research.
What specific aspects of your work environment contributed to your learning and advanced the success of your research?
Learning and doing lab work in a friendly and supportive environment, which I found at the National Phenome Centre (NPC), was extremely important for my own advancement in research. Everyone in the NPC team was friendly and willing to help teach me without reservation. By learning from people with various research specialities, I have built a comprehensive understanding of the research areas I work in. Moreover, by talking to the members of the NPC team, I could integrate more quickly into the research environment and solve research-related problems with their help and experience.
What did you find most exciting about the course?
The two experimental projects at the core of the program are the most exciting part of the course. My work in laboratories covers different fields of research and gives me an insight into the technologies and knowledge around those subjects. It provides me with the chance to find the area I truly want to work in and allows me to not only learn experimental techniques but also provides me with knowledge and thinking methodologies that are important, regardless of my future research area.
How do you think the course will impact your future career?
This course will help me determine my desired research field for my prospective career. Most importantly, all the training I received in this course will lay the foundation in both laboratory skills and research methodologies for my forthcoming research.
What advice would you give those considering the MRes in Biomedical Research?
This course is suitable for people who enjoy doing research in the field of biomedical research, especially for those who haven’t decided the exact area they want to work in. However, this course involves hard-work and a certain amount of pressure, something that can be expected of any MRes. A love for research and the ability to cope with pressure are important for this course.
Why did you choose Imperial College London?
There were three reasons I choose Imperial College. First is the good reputation of Imperial in research, especially biomedical research. Here, I can enjoy top-class academic and research resources and learn from outstanding scientists, which can help me build a solid foundation as a beginner in research. Second, the location of Imperial - transport is convenient and the main campus is surrounded by lots of museums and Hyde Park. I ‘m in the cultural centre of London, which is very exciting for overseas students to start exploring London. Finally, the design of this course determined my choice. Having two experimental projects gives me a chance to spend more time learning in lab and practice research in different areas; the half day lectures every week supports me with knowledge and techniques when doing data analysis and writing up.
What did you enjoy most about studying at Imperial and in the Faculty of Medicine?
I enjoy the research atmosphere at the Faculty of Medicine. All the people I meet here are industrious, with a have passion and curiosity in science. There are frequent seminars for people to share up-to-date research and open-plan offices for us to solve questions in research together.
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