Vandana Yadav (2014/15)

Vandana found learning to write about research was as invaluable as learning about the science itself.

What did you get out of the course (mention which themes you undertook)?

The whole program was designed to make us learn and practice research skills in a highly effective manner. I undertook cancer theme for my first project. I worked with samples from wild and mutant mice models and closely examined how difference of a single gene can affect cancer biology remarkably. I learnt planning, execution, trouble-shooting and analysis of experimental data and developed a fundamental research aptitude. For my second project, I chose gene and diseases theme in which I specifically worked on murine embryonic kidneys and engineered mini-kidneys. The project started with writing a research proposal which was a great exercise. Thereafter, there were theme-specific seminars where students presented and discussed various research papers which further helped in enhancing scientific reading, apprehension and presentation skills. Finally, report writing, at the end of each project, was the most valuable learning as writing science is sometimes more difficult than doing science! All in all, the course was hugely rewarding. 

What are you doing now?

I am currently looking for biomedical/biotech research jobs in my country. I plan to do a PHD in near future. I have also planned to apply at University of Edinburgh again. 

Where are you hoping to go next (what career path do you plan to follow)?

After doing PHD, I wish to pursue research and will work as a post-doc for few years. Later, I might also try academic jobs (Lectureship, etc) or industrial placements depending upon my interest.