Katherine Bostock
- mnklb@leeds.ac.uk
I have recently completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham, achieving a first class honours degree in Biomedical Materials Science.
What attracted you to the Centre for Doctoral Training in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – Innovation in Medical and Biological Engineering
During my undergraduate degree I became interested in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and wanted to peruse this further. The programme at Leeds interested me as they didn’t focus too heavily on either the biological or engineering aspect, each was given its place. This meant I could develop skills and knowledge in both fields. On interview day, the facilities really impressed me, as did the range of possible projects I could undertake within the programme.
How did you hope the CDT integrated PhD would give you an advantage over a conventional PhD?
When I joined the CDT I only had practical experience within cell culture, so I was hoping that by doing the cross-disciplinary lab placements I would be able to expand my practical skills. So far I have undertaken a placement doing immunohistochemistry, and in the coming months I will be doing finite element analysis and biological tissue testing. This will give me an advantage going into my PhD project.
What have you most enjoyed during your time on the CDT Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – Innovation in Medical and Biological Engineering programme?
So far the most enjoyable part has been the lab placements. Gaining new skills and being able to apply what is taught in lectures.
How do you hope to extend the experience gained from the course in your future career?
From this course, I will gain skills in areas across many different fields. This will set me up whether I choose to stay within academia, move to industry, or change careers completely. The course allows us to develop different skills so no avenue is cut off.
What have you found most challenging about the CDT course?
The most challenging aspect so far has been time management. You get periods of time where you are extremely busy, and times when you can get on with long term projects. It’s definitely important to plan ahead.
Could you give one phrase that would persuade others to join the CDT?
It’s hard work, but definitely worth it