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As a US citizen and graduate of the United States Military Academy, I was granted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the UK for two years as a Marshall Scholar. As a commissioned officer in the US Army, I was motivated to join the MPhil in Biotechnology because of my interest in synthetic biology and its implications on biosecurity.
I was particularly impressed by the programme’s focus on the most cutting-edge aspects of synthetic biology and biotechnology, as well as the comprehensive education provided by a half-taught, half-research approach.
Although moving to Cambridge from the US amid a global pandemic was a jarring and challenging experience, my time in the programme and at Cambridge, in general, was incredibly fulfilling. The University impressed me with its dedication to the support of its students, diversity, academic excellence, and the pursuit of knowledge. The city of Cambridge is vibrant and varied with beautiful and serene green spaces, excellent pubs and restaurants, and a bustling city centre.
Altogether, my time at Cambridge and in the MPhil was a rich and rewarding experience.
Following my completion of the MPhil in Biotechnology, I went on to complete a MSc in Science and Technology in Society at the University of Edinburgh. The knowledge and technical expertise I had gained through the MPhil in Biotechnology was incredibly beneficial, providing a foundation for my research on biosecurity issues and policy. After the completion of my two years of graduate study in the UK, I returned to the US to continue my service as an officer in the US Army. Through my work in the Army, I hope to strengthen the biosecurity of the US and her allies.
Lynne Mooradian (August 2021)
My journey started with an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Straight after graduating I joined a newly established Financial Crime team in one of the major banks in South Africa, where I worked for almost 5 years. My passion has however always been in the sciences, and therefore the MPhil in Biotechnology presented as the perfect opportunity to make a move back into the science and engineering field.
From application to graduation I felt welcome and relaxed and everyone across the department and the MPhil cohort were very friendly. I enjoyed the multi-faceted approach of the programme, allowing the students to choose both elective courses and a research project – the combination of which allowed me to better understand various aspects of biotechnology and helped me to find the discipline which interested me most.
Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic hit half way through our degree. The department however quickly made plans to accommodate the remainder of our programme and ensured that we still finished on time; and, while it was not as expected, we were still able to complete a very interesting group project remotely.
I am now pursuing a PhD in bioelectronic systems technology, still within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, which I am greatly enjoying.
Alexandra Wheeler (August 2020)
I chose the MPhil in Biotechnology programme because I felt it was the perfect match to my research interests and allowed me to develop interdisciplinary skills in biotechnology as well as apply my background in physics and engineering.
I enjoyed the fact that you get a chance to not only work on in-depth research but also to explore current trends and the latest advances in biotechnology through various electives. There was also the Transferable Skills module that provided an opportunity to learn about how to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities as well as transfer useful knowledge from academia to industry.
The course provided a unique opportunity to engage and connect with extraordinary individuals and leading experts in their fields. It also gave an opportunity for me to broaden my vision and challenge myself in new ways, such as by writing a literature review, which led to a publication.
Following my completion of the MPhil in Biotechnology, I worked in consulting and primary intelligence within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. I had the chance to work with many of the world leading pharmaceutical companies on a global scale, while generating bespoke local insights through advanced analytics. Currently I am a doctoral student in Interdisciplinary Bioscience at the University of Oxford based in both the Department of Engineering Science and the Department of Plant Sciences. My research focuses on systems and synthetic biology approaches for bacterial communities and their interaction with plants. The MPhil in Biotechnology provided me with a solid foundation both for my work in industry and academia.
Bergthor Traustason (August 2019)