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Summer Vacation Placement Seminar 2020
A summer vacation placement information seminar was held by the Biochemistry & Biotechnology and Biomedical Science societies on Wednesday 2nd December 2020.
Fourth year Biochemistry and Biomedical Science students discussed their experience of completing research/pharmaceutical/hospital (Medical Laboratory Aide) placements.
Neil O’Sullivan (Chairperson, UCC Biochemistry & Biotechnology Society) participated in the Micromaps project, organised by the Molecular Systems Physiology group in NUIG. Neil discussed his project which involved the generation of metabolic reconstructions of over 150,000 microbial genomes. Neil also discussed the experience he gained in online Bioinformatic tools and he provided advice on CV’s, personal statements and information on funding opportunities.
Stephen O’Shea discussed his internship with the Zurzolo lab at Institut Pasteur, under the supervision of Dr Cordero Cervantes. His project was entitled “Connectomics: Mapping of Tunneling Nanotube-like Structures in the Developing Mouse Cerebellum”. Stephen also discussed the Amgen Scholar Program application process and the benefits he gained from participating in lab meetings and journal clubs, designing posters and PowerPoint presentations.
Katie O’Brien (Chairperson, Biomedical Science society), Kiera O’Leary, Pádraig McKeown and Joseph Phelan are completing a BSc in Biomedical Science and secured roles as Medical Laboratory Aide’s in Cork University Hospital. Joe and Pádraig worked in the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory and Katie and Kiera worked in the Haematology laboratory. Pádraig discussed elements that students should consider before applying, such as work hours. Katie discussed the application process. Kiera discussed the role and the process of dealing with ICM, OPD and GP samples. Joseph discussed the pros and cons of the position and what they have learned from working with Medical Scientists.
Amy O’Reilly secured a QA Support role with Janssen Sciences Ireland, Ringaskiddy. In this role Amy supported the quality operations unit through management of compliance activities and QA operational activities. Amy outlined the application process, her experience of an interview over zoom and the types of questions she was asked. Amy also discussed the importance of networking and having an up-to-date linkedIn profile.
Máire Fennell secured a placement in the Microbiology Department Eurofins BPT Dungarvan. Máire discussed the theoretical training she completed on data integrity and ethics, the practical analysis training and her role in the Microbiology Department. In addition, she discussed how she developed her laboratory skills, confidence and team skills. Máire was initially hired for a month, which was extended over the summer and Máire was subsequently retained by Eurofins to work weekends until July 2021.
Sarah O’Callaghan discussed her research placement at Cybercolloids, Carrigaline and her role in developing a process for a high protein meat alternative. Sarah enjoyed working in a small research company and having the opportunity to write reports and risk assessments. She also appreciated the opportunity to develop her laboratory skills and encouraged the 3rd years to source similar positions.
Dr Sinéad Kerins would like to thank Amy, Joe, Katie, Kiera, Máire, Neil, Pádraig, Sarah and Stephen, for delivering outstanding presentations and providing the 3rd year students with excellent information and advice.