Start date: 01-10-2019
Academic department: Life Sciences
Title of research project: Determining the detection and signalling pathways involved in oomycete infection of C. elegans
Academic supervisor: Dr Michalis Barkoulas
Native country: York, UK

How has the scholarship award enabled you to pursue your ambitions? 
The Schrodinger Scholarship has facilitated the continuation of my academic studies by providing the financial support to fund my PhD, something which would not have been possible on my own. The Schrodinger Scholarship was particularly beneficial for me, as it allowed me to continue on in a lab where I undertook part of my Research Masters, so I was certain that I was interested and inspired by the science I would work on, before I started my PhD.

Why did you choose to study at Imperial? 
I chose to study at Imperial because of the quality of academic research and supervision that takes place at the university. I had already had the chance to work with members of the Barkoulas Lab and knew that I wanted to be involved in the exciting research they undertake. Also, the opportunity to live in such a diverse and lively place is one I am really grateful for.  

What have you been up to on the programme so far? 
This programme has allowed me to be fully focussed on my research and on making exciting discoveries in the lab! My favourite aspect of the programme so far was the annual Schrodinger Lecture and Dinner where I had the opportunity to present a scientific poster about my research to guests of the lecture and was able to listen to an inspiring talk by Professor Michele Dougherty on The Cassini Spacecraft Mission to Saturn.