Reproductive and Developmental Biology
Reproductive Biology
Repro 2
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.
Reproductive and Developmental Biology - Holly Parkin (21/22)
What did you most enjoy about your course?
I really enjoyed the research aspect of my course as I was able to take on responsibility and become the ‘expert’ on my specific topic. I had never worked with cell cultures before, so it was exciting learning how to handle HEK cells and I developed a lot of new experimental skills. My lab was really welcoming and supportive which made the experience even better!
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
It was great to be taught by so many leading researchers, both internal and external! Their enthusiasm for their research was evident and made learning about this even better.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
Amazing! I was very surprised but very grateful!
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I’m now working to improve health literacy within the NHS to combat health inequalities.
Reproductive and Developmental Biology - Idoia Elorza Ridaura (20/21)
What did you most enjoy about your course?
I find Reproductive and Developmental Biology fascinating, so I honestly loved learning about it! My favourite component of the course was the independent research project we conducted in the second half of the year, where I investigated two pregnancy complications. Not only was the topic extremely interesting, but I also had amazing supervisors, who were incredibly kind and helpful.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
I really loved all the staff we met during the MSc. I had excellent teachers, tutors, and supervisors, whose passion for research was inspiring. Though we attended most of our classes from home due to COVID, they were very supportive throughout the course and made great efforts to improve our experience.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I was very pleasantly surprised, to say the least! It was nice to see that all the hard work had been recognised.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I am currently working in the financial department of an IVF clinic, and am planning on going back to the lab at Imperial College in the next few months, to continue the research project I carried out during the MSc. I also hope to start a PhD next year, fingers crossed!
Reproductive and Developmental Biology - Ellie Gilbert (19/20)
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The small size of the course really made my experience. I enjoyed being able to get to know everyone so well, lecturers and fellow students alike.
The subject is also just fascinating. I was certainly never bored while carrying out my assignments!
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
The opportunity to work in a top class research group! Though my lab time was cut short by COVID, the couple of weeks I spent in the lab were fantastic and the research group kept me very much involved while working from home.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
It felt good, I can’t lie. Very nice to be rewarded for all the hard work!
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I’m sorry to say that I’ve had a change of tack and I’m now working as a consultant in forensic accounting. My interest in Reproductive and Developmental Biology lives on though, I promise!
Reproductive and Developmental Biology - Georgie Pool 2018/19
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The course provided me with a broad understanding of reproductive biology and insight into the workings of a research facility. I was mostly interested in the molecular biology surrounding gametogenesis and the pathogenesis of reproductive and developmental disorders. The research project was the most beneficial aspect of the course for me, as I had limited research experience prior to the Masters. I was fortunate to work within a fantastic lab, who were highly supportive and equipped me with a range of molecular biology techniques.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
The staff at Imperial College London are of the highest calibre in their field of study, which is reflected in the excellent standard of teaching and supervision. In addition, the connections that the Faculty of Medicine has with other teaching facilities was evident through the variety of external specialist lecturers keeping the teaching element engaging and diverse. The well-equipped lab my colleagues to conduct in-depth research using cutting-edge technology.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
I was very pleased to receive the Dean's Prize and appreciate the College for the recognition.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
Since finishing the course, I secured a role as a Reproductive Technologist at City Fertility in London, performing andrology within the IVF lab, where I plan to train to become an embryologist.
Reproductive and Developmental Biology - Charlotte Quinn 2017/18
What did you most enjoy about your course?
The variety of subjects taught throughout the former half of the year allowed me to gain a firm understanding of the fundamentals of reproductive and developmental biology, from the molecular mechanisms through to gross system anatomy. Furthermore, the research component provided invaluable practical experience, and working in a laboratory was a fantastic opportunity. Overall, the diverse programme structure provides a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience and has served to cement my aspirations to continue working in science.
What did you most appreciate about the Faculty/College?
Imperial College London is one of the most distinguished universities for science and technology in the world, with specialists of the highest caliber in their field. Having come from an array of clinical and research-based backgrounds, the staff provide much-needed support no matter what your experiences or interests, and their genuine enthusiasm and passion for their line of work is reflected in the high standard of teaching and supervision. The staff are integral to the course and College as a whole, and I'm hugely appreciative of their help (and patience!) over the past year.
How did it feel to receive the Dean's Prize?
Surprised to say the least! But also very pleased and thankful to the College for recognising my hard work.
What are you doing now/What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I plan to continue working in research, especially as it applies to clinical sciences and reproductive health, and eventually aim to embark on a PhD on this subject in the following years.