Meet our students and alumni

We asked some of our students and graduates to share their experiences of studying in the School of Biosciences, and to tell us what they've ended up doing with their degree.

My SURE placement gave me a better understanding of what a career in academia might be like

Charlotte Redfern MBiolSci Biology (now Biological Sciences)

Charlotte chose to complete a Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) placement this summer to get a better idea of life in academia. By immersing herself in this opportunity, Charlotte was able to not only make the most of lab-based opportunities but also gain exposure to the research environment of the department as a whole.

I will always be grateful for my experience as a Biomedical Science undergraduate.

Vishmi Silva BSc Biomedical Science

Vishmi studied Biomedical Science with us as an undergraduate, where support from her tutors helped her to stay on at the university to study Medicine.

My course helped me secure a role in Dr Anestis Tsakiridis’ laboratory as a research technician

Bethany James MBiomedSci Biomedical Science

Bethany’s MBiomedSci year allowed her to be fully involved within the lab, working alongside academics and PhD students throughout her project which inspired her to pursue a career in scientific research.

I spent my placement working as a Junior Scientist at Erba Molecular

Harindi Jayakody MBiolSci Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology

Harindi chose to complete her 4th year project in industry, working as a Junior Scientist at molecular diagnostics company, Erba Molecular. This experience confirmed that a career in the biotech industry is the right path for Harindi.

My year abroad in Melbourne brought with it amazing opportunities, for both my academic and personal growth

Chris Buckley MBiolSci Biology with a Year Abroad (now Biological Sciences)

Chris spent a year studying biology at Monash University in Melbourne. While there, he got first-hand experience studying the Australian ecosystem, travelled up Australia’s east coast, and spent his free time doing bungee jumps and skydives.

My placement helped me secure a funded PhD at the University of Cambridge

Holly Smith BSc Biomedical Science

During her second year, Holly did a placement with Kirkstall, a Rotherham-based biotechnology company. This placement gave her insight into science outside of academia and helped secure her industry-funded studentship for her PhD at the University of Cambridge.

My placement helped me realise my passion for being outdoors and conservation

Olga Kondrashova BSc Biology with Placement Year (now Biological Sciences)

Olga spent her placement year working at the Field Studies Council on the doorstep of Snowdonia in North Wales. During the year, Olga took part in biological surveys, conservation projects, outdoor education and adventure activities.

My course helped me secure a PhD position here at Sheffield

Federica Pastorelli BSc Biochemistry

During her third-year project, Federica investigated the acclimation mechanisms in English ivy. This experience sharpened Federica's research and laboratory skills and she has since accepted a PhD position within the same lab here at Sheffield.

My MBiolSci was a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an active research lab

Chris Butler MBiolSci Zoology

Chris’ MBiolSci in Zoology has given him the chance to get hands-on experience in an active research lab working alongside PhD students. It also gave him the opportunity to carry out his own research project while on a field trip in Wales.

My course gave me the skills and knowledge to become a research scientist

Dr Tom Young MBiolSci Ecology (now Ecology and Conservation Biology)

The applied nature of Tom's 4th year MBiolSci research project led him to pursue a PhD in the department following graduation, working with an external company to develop data to inform new product ranges. It's this experience that Tom now uses every day as Technology Manager for the STRI Group.

Meet our students and alumni

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