Opportunities provide next steps for Megan

New experiences

At the University of Derby, you are encouraged to explore new experiences and are provided with additional opportunities to develop skills.

Megan was selected to join the International Travel Awards on a trip to Iceland. This award provides students with an opportunity to apply for a place on a fully-funded trip to a destination abroad. It gives them the chance to “go further” and expand their global mindset.

Megan had longed to travel to Iceland for over ten years and she was thrilled to be given the opportunity. While there, she visited the Blue Lagoon, climbed a glacier and even rode an Icelandic horse across lava fields.

Academic excellence

While enjoying her life at university, Megan has also worked hard throughout her studies. She has been awarded the Pro-Vice Chancellors Dean’s Award for academic excellence. This award celebrates the academic achievements of students and highlights their commitment, dedication, and success to future employers.

The effort and success of her studies, as well as the support from her academic team, has also helped her to secure a place on the prestigious Wellcome Biomedical Vacation Scholarship scheme at Oxford University.

This scholarship scheme consists of a six-week paid programme over the summer break and is aimed at preparing students for postgraduate entry at university. Nine successful students work on projects across different departments. Megan was pleased to find out that she had secured a place on her first-choice project of genomic medicine.

“To be selected for this internship at an institute such as Oxford University is a great privilege, and will make me a desirable candidate for postgraduate study and future jobs” she says.

“I’m very pleased to be studying under the genomic medicine and statistics team as this is the area I wish to pursue in postgraduate research. A summer internship is a brilliant opportunity for any undergraduate, as it helps further development of skills learnt during teaching, in addition to networking opportunities.”

Her role will be in the Wellcome Trust Programme, working on a self-contained research project surrounding genomic [related to DNA] medicine and statistics. She says: “I will be exploring the application of genomics in advancing human health, in addition to practising skills in experimental and analytical genomic science.”

Accredited advice

Megan studied BSc (Hons) Biomedical Health, which has evolved into our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). And she has advice for anyone thinking of coming to study at the University of Derby. She says: “The course has been very broad and informative and prepares students well for a career in life sciences. It is also great news that the University has IBMS accreditation for its Biomedical Science course.”