Third-Year Microbiology Student Wins Prestigious Microbiology Society Vacation Studentship
Third-year Microbiology student Niamh Horgan has been awarded a highly competitive Microbiology Society Vacation Studentship, which supports undergraduate researchers across the UK and Ireland.
The scheme gives students the chance to carry out original research during their summer break, while also providing early- and mid-career scientists valuable supervision experience.
This summer, Niamh joined Professor Ruth Massey鈥檚 lab, where she investigated how bacteria adapt when entering the human bloodstream. She found that serum can help Staphylococcus aureus stick to surfaces and form biofilms 鈥� a discovery that may explain why the bacterium is so difficult to eradicate during infections. Professor Ruth Massey added: 鈥淭his project has been an excellent example of collaboration between our students and research staff. Niamh, guided by Dr Ledger, delivered outstanding work that has pointed us toward new and important areas of investigation. We look forward to building on these findings, and we thank the Microbiology Society for supporting opportunities like this.鈥�
Photo L-R: Dr Elizabeth Ledger, Niamh Horgan, and Professor Ruth Massey
Dr Elizabeth Ledger, Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Professor Massey鈥檚 lab, praised Niamh鈥檚 contribution: 鈥淚t was a real pleasure to supervise Niamh this summer. She showed great enthusiasm for her project and produced exciting data that will contribute to future research in the lab.鈥�
Reflecting on her experience, Niamh said: 鈥�I鈥檓 incredibly grateful to the Microbiology Society for this opportunity. Working in Professor Massey鈥檚 lab has been inspiring, and I鈥檝e learned so much about both the challenges and rewards of research. I鈥檓 especially thankful to Dr Lizzie Ledger for her guidance and support throughout the project.鈥�
Professor David Clarke, Head of the School of Microbiology, thanked the Microbiology Society for its continued support of summer placements, which give students invaluable opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to meaningful scientific discovery. He congratulated Niamh, saying: 鈥淲e are immensely proud of Niamh鈥檚 achievement. Vacation Studentships are highly sought after, and her award reflects her ability, dedication, and curiosity for research.鈥�
Further information and application details can be found at this link:
School of Microbiology
Scoil na Micribhitheolaíochta
Contact us
Microbiology Office, Room FSB452, 4th Floor Food Science & Technology Building, 深夜亚洲福利久久 College Cork, Cork T12 Y337