Jane Wright
I graduated with a BSc in Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) from the University of Edinburgh. I later went on to do a PGCE in Secondary Science (Biology) from the University of Cambridge and taught in secondary schools for 4 years. I then worked in the postgraduate admissions and registration department at the University of Leeds before beginning the CDT.
What attracted you to the Centre for Doctoral Training in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – Innovation in Medical and Biological Engineering
As the programme has a taught element to it, it has allowed me to take modules in areas I didn’t have any experience in, helping me bridge gaps and extend my knowledge before beginning my PhD.
I was attracted by the opportunity to work within a world leading institute in tissue engineering and on interview day, I was really impressed by the facilities and the work that was being carried out. The research carried out here is often translated into real-life benefits.
How did you hope the CDT integrated PhD would give you an advantage over a conventional PhD?
When I began the CDT I only had practical experience within cell culture, so by doing the cross-disciplinary lab placements I will be able to develop my practical skills. So far I have undertaken a placement doing quantitative biochemical assays for tissue characterization. In the coming months I will be using gait analysis to look at the biomechanics of the lower limbs and doing a placement in skeletal tissue engineering and stem cell therapy.
What have you most enjoyed during your time on the CDT Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – Innovation in Medical and Biological Engineering programme?
The CDT programme offers you the opportunities to see the clinical and industrial aspects of research, through external speakers and external supervisors. I have also enjoyed the wide variety of labs and modules on offer.
What benefits do you feel you get from the interdisciplinary nature of the course?
Everyone has a slightly different background in the CDT, from supervisors to the cohorts of students which means there will always be help and advice available for any problems you come across. Research is also often collaborative, working in different fields which is good preparation for a career in research and academia.
How do you hope to extend the experience gained from the course in your future career?
I will gain and develop many skills in many different fields on this course. I hope to use this experience to enter the growing field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and continue in research: either in academia or industry.
What have you found most challenging about the CDT course?
The most challenging aspect so far has been time management. There are times when you are extremely busy and must plan ahead to balance several assignments, lab work and reading at once. There is also a lot of material I have never seen before which is a steep learning curve but very rewarding.
Could you give one phrase that would persuade others to join the CDT?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a broad knowledge in different areas – you’ll learn the areas you don’t know on the course!
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeannewright/