The Neurogenetics Lab Summer Work Experience 2023: Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists

Thanks to the support of a St Georges University of London Public Engagement grant awarded to honorary lecturer Dr. Reza Maroofian we ran a series of interactive workshops designed to give students an insight into a career in Rare Disease Genetics Research.   

Commencing the week’s activities the students were given an immersive lab tour, setting the stage for an introduction into life in a multidisciplinary research environment. The sessions began by lab technician Valentina Turchetti detailing the intricacies of sample processing and shedding light on the nuances of DNA extractions, highlighting the importance of precision and thorough lab practice when processing samples. Building on this, PhD student Kristina Zhelcheska explained the numerous staining techniques used in research highlighting the pivotal roles these techniques play in deciphering different biological structures. The students were able to explore cells through a 3D cell viewer and understand the many aspects to consider when exploring the functioning of cells. Following this PhD student, Dr Elisa Cali introduced the students to the significance of employing animal model, Drosophila Melanogaster in neurodevelopmental studies. During this session, the students had the opportunity to see live experiments evaluating motor function and witness intricate brain dissections in Drosophila, gaining direct exposure to the essence of hands-on research.

Subsequent to this, PhD student Natalia Dominik guided the students through a series of immersive hands-on exercises. These activities not only honed their laboratory skills but also provided students with a first-hand encounter with the precise pipetting techniques required for fundamental molecular biology techniques such as, PCR and Gel Electrophoresis. The afternoon session commenced with two clinical research fellows Dr. Yen Yee Goh & Dr Francesca Magrinelli sharing a glimpse into the dynamic lives of clinicians practicing research. Through their candid stories, students not only gained an appreciation for the scientific rigor but also grasped the emotional resilience required to navigate intricate scenarios and weather the challenges of high-pressure situations. MRes Student, Aya Tarabeine also shared her industry background coupled with her current research on Primary Mitochondrial diseases exemplifying the myriad pathways available to pursuing a career in STEM.

The penultimate days of the placement witnessed a glimmer into the future of genomics and its burgeoning impact on medicine. Postdoctoral Research fellow Dr. Stephanie Efthymiou provided a comprehensive outlook on Genomic Medicine, elucidating how it continues to shape the future landscape of healthcare and research. Subsequently, students were able to observe lab technician Hamin Lee conducting long-range Fluorescent PCR to screen for a recent gene discovery. This experience gave them a front-row seat to the meticulous demands of laboratory work, underscoring the precision required in scientific exploration. Building on this, PhD student Tracy Lau orchestrated an interactive workshop demonstrating the unwavering attention to detail required in sequence variant analysis. This session offered students with an insight into the strategies and techniques employed to tackle the intricate challenges of data analysis.

The Neurogenetics Lab’s Summer Work Experience Placement went beyond sharing scientific knowledge, but also provided students with a deep insight into the multifaceted nature of a career in scientific research, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary teamwork and emotional strength in clinical contexts. As the week drew to a close, the placement not only left students with an introduction into Neurogenetics research, but also ignited a sense of curiosity for the myriad of scientific paths available to them, nurturing and empowering the next generation of scientists.

In an era riddled with misinformation, placements like this hold immense value. They bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing students with hands-on experiences that break down barriers to understanding. Such initiatives reshape perceptions of science, demystifying its complexity and making it more accessible. By equipping students with practical skills, real-world insights, and direct research exposure, they lay the cornerstone for building a knowledgeable workforce that can significantly elevate the UK’s scientific landscape.

Links

• The Neurogenetics Lab at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
• Social Mobility Foundation