The iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) Foundation runs an annual competition in which student teams, of which there were over 280 in 2015, from various universities complete a project where synthetic biology is applied in attempt to solve a problem. As part of the Exeter 2015 team, our project involved the “design and adaptation of toehold riboswitches to detect specific RNAs with immediate application to M. bovis”. My main role in the team was to design and create the website for our team project but I also made significant contributions in team discussions, computational modelling and other aspects of the project. Our team succeeded in achieving a Gold medal as well as yielding promising results from an innovative idea, which may have significant impact on the problem of Bovine Tuberculosis.

The Gatsby Charitable foundation offer a Summer School for selected students with an interest in plant science. The School consisted of a series of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions where I developed my interest and knowledge in plant science as well as learning several skills such as plant identification, detection of pathogens, computer programming and operating a confocal microscope and D-SLR camera. The School also provided the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas with lots of academics and students. Overall the Summer School was wholly enjoyable and a fantastic learning experience.