Cangul Seran’s placement at the National Institute for Medical Research – Mill Hill
| Nuffield Research Placement student, 2011
National Institute for Medical Research – Mill Hill Investigation into whether perinuclear Weibel Palade bodies secrete |
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Investigation into whether perinuclear Weibel Palade bodies secrete. I treated endothelial cells with drugs to locate organelles called Weibel Palade bodies and examine whether they secrete depending on location.
What was the highlight/best bit of your placement?
Using techniques such as immunofluorescent staining, treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cells with nocodazole, ELISA, tissue culture and live cell imaging was most certainly the best part! I had the chance to familiarise myself with all these techniques that most people starting university had not experienced.
I had the chance to familiarise myself with all these techniques that most people starting university had not experienced…The NRP set me apart from other candidates when first applying to university.”Cangul Seran
What was your least favourite part of the placement?
Just the journey getting there as it took rather long from where I live; that being said, it was worth the experience in the end.
What is your current role? If you are currently studying, what course are you doing?
I am currently studying Infection and Immunity MSc at University College London. I’m about to complete my laboratory project at the Royal Free Hospital for my master’s degree.
What path did you take after finishing your NRP and how has that led you to where you are today?
I decided to study biomedical science BSc at university. After completing my Bachelors, I knew I wanted to study infection and immunity in greater depth. I developed an interest in both disease-causing microorganisms and how the human body reacts and adapts to them, so this masters course was the perfect combination!
Did your Nuffield Research Placement have an effect on the choices that you made after finishing school/college/university?
Yes; the invaluable hands-on experience at NIMR made me realise I definitely want to pursue a career in science. I still speak of my experience at NIMR to this day! The NRP set me apart from other candidates when first applying to university.
If you could give one piece of advice to Nuffield students about to start a placement what would it be?
Make use of every opportunity whilst you’re there and don’t be shy to ask anything; no question is too stupid to ask!
What would your advice be to young people thinking about a career in STEM?
The Nuffield Research Placement will entail several transferable skills that will be valuable for your future, even if you’re unsure about a career in STEM. Go for it!
