PhD in Clinical Biochemistry

I was awarded a BBSRC-funded iCASE studentship supported by MedImmune to do a PhD at the Metabolic Research Laboratories at Cambridge. My PhD project focuses on the gut-brain axis in the control of appetite, with a particular interest in how specific neuronal populations within the brain regulate food preference and feeding behaviour.  The aim of this work is to increase understanding of the central mechanisms underlying body weight homeostasis and thus obesity, one of the biggest threats to public health.

I thoroughly enjoy working at the Metabolic Research Laboratories. The facilities are excellent and there are lots of talks from inspirational speakers from both within and outside the department to increase your breadth of knowledge in the metabolic disease field. The strong community of students, senior researchers and administration staff here at the Metabolic Research Laboratories is amazing and there is a range of support available to students during their project and beyond.

Alongside my main project work I have taken the opportunity to get involved in the department student committee and also in public engagement events which have enabled me to develop and apply transferable skills which will be invaluable in any career. The ability to develop core scientific skills through my PhD project and excellent transferable skills through participation in extracurricular activities is one of the best aspects of working at the Metabolic Research Laboratories and will provide me with a great basis for my future career.

Anon, (Apr. 20, 2019)