Year 10 Genotyping Placement

Four Year 10 students completed a one-week work experience placement with the LMB’s genotyping team.

Hear from Isabella and Shaam about their experiences:

What did your placement at the LMB involve?

Isabella: Our placement mainly focussed on genotyping, but we also spent time in other labs to understand what researchers do in different departments. We got to learn about techniques such as PCR. Additionally, we explored neuroscience, particularly studying the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) — the part of the brain that controls our sleep cycle.

Shaam: We also got to use flow cytometry machines and extracted plasmids from E. coli bacteria by carrying out a plasmid midi prep, and a gel electrophoresis, which was very cool!

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time at the LMB?

Isabella: Probably understanding the basic logic behind each experiment – not merely knowing what was happening, but why it was happening. For example, how results from a machine like a PCR thermocycler are produced and how scientists interpret those results in their research.

What do you think you have gained from your work experience?

Isabella: I’ve gained a much better understanding of how a real research lab works, and what kind of thinking and teamwork is involved. I also feel more confident asking questions and trying to understand things even when they’re difficult. It has helped me see what a career in science could really look like.

Shaam: My placement has strengthened my hope of working in a laboratory in the future. I’ve also gained more practical experience like learning how to balance a centrifuge, use a volumetric pipette, set up a gel plate, measure things accurately and many other useful skills!

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking of coming to the LMB for work experience?

Isabella: Just go for it! Don’t worry if you don’t know everything — the scientists are supportive and they want you to learn. Be curious, ask questions and make the most of every chance to observe or try something new. The LMB has an inspiring environment and you’ll learn so much more than you expect.

Shaam: If you’re passionate about science and love practical, hands-on work, then this placement is for you! Everyone you work with is really friendly, and the environment and building are so modern. It will be a chance to get a glimpse at what it’s like to work as a researcher, or even any role in a lab!