Rowan's internship: Straube lab, University of Warwick

Integrated Natural Sciences student Rowan recently completed a summer placement in the Straube lab at Warwick, funded by the Lister Institute of Preventative Medicine. His project focused on the structure of kinesins, a type of molecular motor, and gave him the chance to develop key laboratory skills. Here, he tells us more.

Tell us about your placement and what attracted you to it

My project was in the Straube lab at Warwick and was funded by the Lister Institute of Preventative Medicine. The focus was on the structure of kinesis - a type of molecular motor.

I wanted to find a position where I could improve my laboratory skills before the start of my Master’s year. Getting to do it in the CMCB at Warwick was another bonus as I was already sure that it was a good environment, having completed my Year 3 project there.

What was the first thing you did as part of the placement?

To start with, some members of the lab showed me the processes that would be used during the project such as DNA cloning and protein purification. I also began writing a programme that the lab could use to more effectively analyse some of their existing data

What have you learned as part of the placement?

I’ve learned some of the core techniques for working with proteins and learned to use a large amount of the equipment in the lab.

Have you enjoyed any experiences outside of the labs?

At the end of the placement, I attended the annual Lister Institute meeting in Oxford where we met students from other labs and presented posters on our projects. We were then able to talk about our experiences and socialise afterwards.

What have you enjoyed most?

Getting to carry out an experiment at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus was a highlight for me as I got to stay there for multiple days and use their specialist MINFLUX microscope.

How do you think the experience helped you?

My previous projects have been largely computational, so it was useful to do more of a wet lab project to catch up in these areas. I also found it quite useful just learning what being in a lab is like and how it works.

Has this changed the way you think about future options?

This project made me somewhat more aware of the other options for research instead of immediately doing a PhD such as research assistant roles.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about summer placements?

Make sure to apply very early, if possible September-November. For some people, organising the project details such as funding can take a surprisingly long time.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I'm hoping to secure a research role for one year and then hopefully go on to industry.

Internship support at Warwick

There are various support schemes available for those looking for biomedical internships, both internally and externally: