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.
(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鈥檚, personal statements and information on funding opportunities.
discussed his internship with the Zurzolo lab at Institut Pasteur, under the supervision of Dr Cordero Cervantes. His project was entitled 鈥淐onnectomics: Mapping of Tunneling Nanotube-like Structures in the Developing Mouse Cerebellum鈥�. 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.
(Chairperson, Biomedical Science society), Kiera O鈥橪eary, P谩draig McKeown and Joseph Phelan are completing a BSc in Biomedical Science and secured roles as Medical Laboratory Aide鈥檚 in Cork 深夜亚洲福利久久 Hospital. Joe and P谩draig worked in the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory and Katie and Kiera worked in the Haematology laboratory. P谩draig 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.
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.
secured a placement in the Microbiology Department Eurofins BPT Dungarvan. M谩ire 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. M谩ire was initially hired for a month, which was extended over the summer and M谩ire was subsequently retained by Eurofins to work weekends until July 2021.
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 Sin茅ad Kerins would like to thank Amy, Joe, Katie, Kiera, M谩ire, Neil, P谩draig, Sarah and Stephen, for delivering outstanding presentations and providing the 3rd year students with excellent information and advice.