Abigail Tappenden
- Course
- Human Biology BSc
- Subject area
- Biosciences
Studying at Loughborough inspired my passion for genetics, and I have now secured a position as an Associate Practitioner in Haematology at the Royal London Hospital.
This job role entails performing laboratory procedures such as DNA/RNA extractions and various assays in order to aid in the diagnosis and/or management of haematological malignancies and solid tumours.
Studying at Loughborough, which places a particular focus on applied learning, has helped me to succeed in my current role as I gained the majority of my essential laboratory skills during the 'wet-labs' I undertook within the course.
Within the Human Biology BSc, I enjoyed the genetics modules the most as this covered exciting areas such as Human Genetics and Forensic DNA analysis. The rapidly advancing knowledge-base of genetics and how we can use this to benefit patient care is what has led me to work in a diagnostic laboratory.
To further my practical skills, I chose to complete 'wet-lab' based research for my final year project, which gave me a good insight of how to organise myself within a laboratory setting, as well as further developing my problem-solving skills
As I didn’t opt to take a placement at university, the academic teaching staff encouraged me to apply for funding for a 6-week research project related to an area of Human Biology.
Under the supervision of my genetics lecturer, I spent the summer between my second and third year in the laboratory at Loughborough conducting research related to the genetics of diabetes. This was an important developmental period in which I gained skills that greatly benefited me in my third-year project and in my current career. If a placement isn’t for you, I would definitely recommend getting involved in a practical setting through other opportunities like this, as it is a great opportunity to advance your skillset and find out more about what interests you.
My time at Loughborough prepared and inspired me to further my studies, and so I opted to complete an MSc in Genomic Medicine after graduation so I could place a complete academic focus on a genetic subject area.
Outside of my studies, it was a real highlight to meeting people from the other side of the UK and other countries all together who share your passions and interests. We remain very close friends today, years after graduation.