Khadija Ahmed reflects on her placement at the UCL Ear Institute

My name is Khadija Ahmed and I am a second-year Medical Sciences student at the University of Exeter. When the opportunity to join the In2research programme came my way, it felt like a perfect fit for my ever-growing interest in scientific research. 

I've been fascinated by medical research since year 12, when I undertook some work experience at the UCL Child Health Institute through In2science. Working on a study of Neuroblastoma using CRISPR technology was a thought-provoking experience. This led me to further explore related fields such as Cancer Research, Neuroscience, and Medical Technology.  Ultimately, these experiences have led me to the In2research programme where I aimed to further develop my research skills.  

My 8-week In2research placement was with the 'EvidENT' team and the NIHR UCLH BRC Hearing Health Theme, co-directed by Professor Anne Schilder and Mr Nishchay Mehta, at the UCL Ear Institute from June to August 2023. The two projects I took part in were:

• Ototoxicity: A study which involved patients undergoing a specific chemotherapy which is known to have a potential toxic effect on their hearing. The study explored blood sample analysis looking at two inner ear biomarkers (Prestin and Otolin-1). My involvement in this project included reviewing the current healthcare pathway for these patients therefore creating an infographic on this, scoping related research on the mechanisms of hearing loss biomarkers and undertaking data analysis. I was also fortunate to have hands-on experience with ELISA testing at the UCL GCLP laboratory. This project formed the basis of my In2research poster which I am looking forward to presenting at the showcase in September. 
• Dementia and Hearing Loss: A key topic for the BRC Hearing Health program. Working closely with Diya Vaid, a PhD student funded by the BRC, I assisted in the screening process for a narrative review on hearing loss and dementia. This gave me the opportunity to delve into database selection, systematic searching, and to understand the comprehensive methodology behind writing such a review. 

Aside from these projects, I gained experience in conducting Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) actions during research, I took part in a meeting which inducted new PPI members to the NIHR UCLH BRC Hearing Health Theme PPIE panel. I met patients with lived experience of hearing-related symptoms, and this made me realise the tremendous impact PPI can have on research outcomes. I also completed courses in Good Clinical Practice, PPI, and Artificial Intelligence after which I received certification.  

Some of my most enjoyable experiences as part of my placement included a memorable visit to the UCL GCLP lab where Dr Helen Lowe introduced me to CAT-19 T cell culture. At the lab, I had the opportunity to present my ototoxicity research findings to the team. I also enjoyed my trip to the Royal National Ear Nose & Throat Hospital with Marina Forbes, a research audiologist, where she tested my hearing through Pure Tone Audiometry and Tympanometry. This gave me a perspective on what it would be like for a patient attending an audiology clinic in terms of how a typical hearing appointment goes.  

Overall, my experience in the EvidENT team and learning from a BRC funded project has allowed me to gain valuable insight into the day-to-day running of a clinical research team. My experience helped in shaping my career prospectives where I am now considering further academia as an option. The knowledge, skills and personal development I've gained through this In2research placement will be useful as I embark on the final year of my degree.

• Read more about the evidENT team and their work here