Clinical Research
Clinical Research
Clinical Research
Dean's Masters Prize winners
The Faculty of Medicine Dean's Prizes are awarded every year to the students who achieve the highest overall distinction grade on their Master's course.
MRes Clinical Research 21/22 - Xin Zhou
What did you most enjoy about your course?
I did enjoy the research project. This module provided me with the opportunity to join this amazing research group. During this time, I found lots of joy and fulfilment in discussing problems with my colleagues and supervisors and investigating the research areas that interested me. This helps me gain deeper insights into the research, and is an essential stepping stone for my future study and work!
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
The faculty members were all lovely, and always gave me prompt suggestions and unlimited help. This MRes program was well organised, comprising a perfect balance of lectures and laboratory sessions. Students had a great chance to learn practical knowledge in lectures and develop a comprehensive understanding of clinical trials.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I was extremely honoured to receive this prize. This prize is the best encouragement for me ever! I would like to extend my gratitude to my supervisors for their generous support and guidance.
What are you doing now/ What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I am applying for a PhD position. I am eager to continue my further study in a related area.
MRes Clinical Research (Diabetes and Obesity) 21/22 - Wen Xi Tang
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The most enjoyable part of taking a MRes is having more time to dedicate to my own research project. I have met good friends and mentors in this course and will continue to keep in touch with the lovely people I met.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
I felt very supported by Fiona, our lovely course administrator, Aaron, the pathway course leader, and Suzie, my personal tutor. They did not hesitate to help with any queries and answered all of my email queries. Their feedbacks on the modules were very helpful and certainly enhanced my understanding of the learning outcomes.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I am very honored to receive the Dean's prize. The students in this course are excellent, and so to have been awarded this prize made me feel humbled and proud of my efforts. I am incredibly thankful to my supervisors, Nick and Pari, who have provided me with patience and support.
What are you doing now/ What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I am currently working as a foundation doctor. My educational supervisor has been very supportive as I was preparing my master's thesis and viva while starting Foundation year 1, and I am very grateful for that. I plan to continue exploring my interest in Diabetes and Endocrinology through internal medicine training.
MRes Clinical Research (Human Nutrition) 21/22 - Breeana Gardiner
What did you most enjoy about your course?
I enjoyed the thorough overview of clinical research, including the practicalities, governance, and medical statistics provided at the beginning of the course. These aspects then provided a solid foundation and allowed for the practical application of these skills when independently undertaking our clinical research projects with the support of experienced supervisors. I also valued working and collaborating with other students and academics within and across the Faculties.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
It was fantastic to be involved and hear about the latest ground-breaking clinical research undertaken by students and academics in the Faculty. I also appreciated having access to the expertise of experienced academics, which was really helpful when designing my research project. With the range of resources available for professional and personal development within the College, I felt very well supported.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
It is an honour. Throughout the year, I put a lot of time and effort into the coursework and research project. It is nice to know that that it was recognised.
What are you doing now/ What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I will be returning to my clinical role as a specialist paediatric dietitian at Great Ormond Street Hospital. I will continue to use my research skills to set up and participate in small-scale research projects within my specialty. Longer term, I hope to undertake a PhD when funding opportunities arise, and the time is right.
MRes Clinical Research (Human Nutrition) 20/21 - Celeste Lugtmeijer
What did you most enjoy about your course?
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The research project. I had the opportunity to work on an exciting project using an organoid model. Working with my supervisor felt like collaboration rather than the typical student-teacher relationship, and that was very insightful for me. I learned a lot of practical skills and knowledge, and the project reinforced my love for research.
I also think the course had the perfect balance between independent work (as part of the research project) and taught content. The combination of the two equipped me with the necessary tools to start my PhD with confidence.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
The staff make the Imperial College experience valuable. They were always very caring, supportive, and encouraging. Both my personal tutor and my project supervisor played a crucial role in my academic success this year.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
My philosophy is that I would hate to look back on something and think 'I could have done better if I had put more effort', and knowing I did my best is worth more to me than the prize itself. My main objective was to gain laboratory experience in order to feel ready for my PhD. I achieved that; the prize is just the cherry on top.
What are you doing now/ What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I got a PhD studentship at the University of Exeter. I am working with Pukka Herbs investigating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of their supplement range. I am grateful for everything and everyone that made it possible!
MRes Clinical Research (Diabetes and Obesity) 19/20 - Maria Thomas
What did you most enjoy about your course?
I really enjoyed the specific pathway module week. The content was really varied and interesting and I learned a lot.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
I really appreciated how helpful Fiona, the course administrator, and Aaron, the course leader, were with any queries I had about course format and deadlines.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I was really chuffed to receive the prize as it was my greatest academic acheivement. I have framed the certificate!
What are you doing now/ What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I undertook the MRes part time whilst working on Prof Nick Oliver's diabetes research team as a Project Manager. I plan to continue to expand my career as a Project Manager in Clinical Trials and endeavour to gain my Prince2 qualification and perhaps undertake further AAT financial training.
Any other comments
Thank you very much for my prize - I am really happy with it :)
MRes Clinical Research (Translational Medicine Pathway) 19/20 - Shuyan Bao
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The chance to participate in translational research with friendly team members and acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical research.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
There are research groups of diverse themes and quite many resources to support our learning. Also, the administration team was supportive.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I feel very lucky to receive the prize, and I’ m grateful to the course team and research team for their patient help and teaching.
What are you doing now/ What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I’m applying for further study / a job, (most probably) still in science.
MRes Clinical Research (Diabetes and Obesity) 18/19 - Zijian Fang
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The research project is the most enjoyable part of the whole course. I think the diverse research projects provided in the course are most attractive to students who want to have a PhD in the next few years.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
I think the Faculty gives many opportunities for students to take part in lab work/clinical study, many of which aim to translate the basic research into clinical practice. It is a great chance for us to know what we are interested in if we would like to work in clinical research/translational work. More importantly, I think I am doing something that can benefit patients.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
Very Excited. I also want to express my great gratitude towards my supervisor, Dr Ben Jones. Without his help in my research project, I cannot have a chance to learn more about being a researcher.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I am doing a PhD at the University of Cambridge.
Any other comments
I want to express my great gratitude towards my supervisor, Dr Ben Jones, for his motivation and immense knowledge. I really appreciate every insightful discussion with him.
MRes Clinical Research (Human Nutrition) 18/19 - Eva Guerrero
What did you most enjoy about your course?
As the majority of the MRes Clinical Research course was research based, it allowed students the amazing opportunity to experience first hand what it is like to be in an intensive research environment. We were able to work beside and learn from experts in the field, share valuable time with researchers, professors and clinicians and get involved in departmental meetings. It was great to feel part of a bigger project and to put into practice what we were learning throughout the course.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
There was a big emphasis on student-staff communication and Imperial College were very receptive with feedback about the course throughout the year. As the cohort was relatively small, this worked very well and a lot of the student suggestions were taken into consideration and implemented.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
Receiving the Dean's Prize is a great honour, one that I could not have achieved without the invaluable guidance from my supervisor and lab team who always encouraged me and inspired me to work harder.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I will be starting a PhD in Neuroscience and Mental Health at the University of Melbourne, Australia, which follows on nicely from my Masters work. I definitely would not have had the same chances of receiving this opportunity without my clinical research experience so I am very grateful for it.
MRes Clinical Research (Human Nutrition) 17/18 - James Frampton
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The research project. Over the course of the year I became an integral member of the research team and was given a lot of responsibility. This responsibility was something I relished and a key reason for my development as a scientist.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
Being able to learn from world-renowned scientists on a daily basis. I was lucky enough to be supervised by Dr. Anjali Amin and Professor Kevin Murphy - two people I learnt an incredible amount from throughout the course.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
It was a great honour to receive this prize. Imperial college is a world-leading university, and to be recognised by such an institution is something I am extremely proud of.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I am currently doing a PhD at Imperial College under the supervision of Dr. Ed Chambers, Professor Kevin Murphy and Professor Gary Frost investigating nutrient sensing in muscle metabolism and exercise.
MRes Clinical Research (Diabetes and Obesity) 17/18 - Sophie Jones
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The opportunity to get involved with a world class research team in a structured way in which I had my own project that I was responsible for, but contributed to multiple other projects going on within the team too.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
Excellent accessible and free faculty-led courses to develop research skills, writing-up skills, IT skills and statistics.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I was delighted! After all the hard work, it was a lovely surprise to be rewarded.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I have returned to full time clinical medical work and am undertaking Core Medical Training (2 years). After this I intend to undertake specialty medical training in Diabetes and Endocrinology.
MRes Clinical Research (Translational Medicine) 17/18 - Edouard Mills
What did you most enjoy about your course?
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The focus of this course was an individual one-year long research project, which permitted real ownership (whilst being adequately supervised). However, to be equipped with the necessary background theoretical knowledge, we undertook four one-week teaching modules covering medical statistics, research methodologies, clinical governance and special research circumstances. All in all, the balance between research and teaching time was excellent.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
All members of the faculty and college were friendly and approachable, including the lecturers and teaching fellows. The lectures and tutorials were delivered in an informal and interactive environment and encouraged audience participation. Special thanks to Fiona Bibby, our course administrator, who was pivotal in the day-to-day running of the course.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I was honoured to have received the Dean’s Prize. However, the prize was also a credit to the strong mentorship and instrumental guidance which I received from my supervisors: Dr Sophie Clarke, Dr Alexander Comninos and Professor Waljit Dhillo.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
Having thoroughly enjoyed the programme and the thirst for clinical research which the course has given me, I am now undertaking a PhD in Reproductive Endocrinology with Professor Dhillo. I am in no doubt that a doctorate from an institution with a world-class reputation for academic excellence will be invaluable for my career in clinical endocrinology.
Any other comments
Thank you Imperial College!