Mackenzie Brown
- mnmtb@leeds.ac.uk
I graduated from the University of Southampton with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering in 2018, and began the CDT in September 2018.
What previous lab experience do you have?
I had limited laboratory experience prior to beginning the CDT. However, my undergraduate dissertation was based on tissue engineering cartilage which gave me experience with cell culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis techniques.
What attracted you to the Centre for Doctoral Training in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – Innovation in Medical and Biological Engineering?
I was attracted to the ability to research within a multidisciplinary field at a world-leading institute. Coming from a purely mechanical engineering background, I was really excited to apply the knowledge I’d gained in my undergrad into an entirely different field which can make a real impact for patients and clinicians.
How did you hope the CDT integrated PhD would give you an advantage over a conventional PhD?
I believe that the CDT gives me an advantage over a conventional PhD because the programme offers a gradual transition from a taught degree into full time research. Because of the MSc component, I’m also given the opportunity to broaden my knowledge within areas I didn’t study in my undergraduate degree. This allows me not only to take full advantage of undertaking multidisciplinary research, but gives me the opportunity to better inform my decision when selecting a 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, I’ve most enjoyed being a part of a small, close-knit cohort and sharing different aspects of our backgrounds. Generally, being a member within iMBE has been amazing; the staff and other researchers are all very close and it’s fascinating hearing about the wide breadth of research being conducted here. I’ve also been enjoying my modules and the public engagement opportunities which have cropped up.
What benefits do you feel you get from the interdisciplinary nature of the course?
I feel I’ll be able to expand my knowledge past my undergraduate background and be better equipped to work with clinicians, industry partners and other researchers.
Could you give one phrase that would persuade others to join the CDT?
Exciting research, a close-knit institute (also there’s cake).
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-brown-48155898