Megan Jones

What did/do you love about Newcastle University?

Newcastle University has a strong focus on student well-being and offers  range of resources to help students at all stages of their academic journey.  They provide plenty of support for new students regarding university life and what to expect, whilst also aiding students who have graduated by providing access to the career service up to three years after graduating. I found that this support was useful in minimising stress and anxiety, ensuring that these feelings did not negatively impact my studies.

What did you enjoy most (or least!) about your course?

My favourite part of the course was definitely my final year research project. This project allowed me to become completely immersed in a specific research topic, whilst also giving me a flavour of what it’s like to work in a professional research environment. I also really enjoyed the vocational module in my 3^rd year, during which I chose to study Bioinformatics- I gained some invaluable computational skills which have proven useful for some of my current research!

Tell us a little bit about career journey. How did you get into what you do now?

I knew that scientific research was of interest to me since beginning my degree at Newcastle University. Attending lectures and seminars hosted by researchers at the university really cultivated my passion for science and prompted me to think about what research I may be interested in pursuing. I completed a summer internship at the University of Leeds to gain some experience in a professional research lab where I improved upon my foundational knowledge of biochemical techniques, allowing me to build my confidence within the lab environment. I was particularly inspired by a lecture delivered by Professor Heath Murray and had the pleasure of conducting my 3^rd year and final year research projects in the Murray lab, where I learnt a range of fundamental techniques in microbiology and molecular biology. The problem-solving aspect of research proved to be both challenging and fulfilling, and I found the research community to be incredibly collaborative, providing me with support throughout my research project. My decision to pursue a PhD was largely solidified when conducting my final year research project, as I was consistently in awe of the researchers around me and the field of study, which made me eager to get stuck into an extended research project of my own.

What do you enjoy most about your current job?

I love the problem-solving aspect of doing research- every day is different! I have found it incredibly interesting to learn new techniques in structural biology that complement the molecular biology methods used throughout my previous research projects. I find it incredibly fulfilling when a large amount of time and effort amounts to some successful results!

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career journey?

I have definitely struggled with imposter syndrome since I started working in scientific research. I found it difficult to not feel inadequate when comparing myself to the incredible researchers around me who had a depth of knowledge in the research area and the wider scientific field. It is important to remind yourself that you are working in your position for a reason! You have worked incredibly hard to get to where you are and most importantly, you are still learning! Once I realised this, I felt a lot more at ease and gained the confidence to ask more questions when I was unsure which has ultimately benefitted my development as a scientific researcher.

How did your course and experiences at Newcastle University prepare you for your current role?

The interdisciplinary nature of the Biochemistry degree at Newcastle really prepares you for a variety of career paths. By the end of your degree, you obtain experience in teaching labs and research labs, with the potential of gaining skills in science communication, bioinformatics, bioethics, or business enterprise depending on which avenue you take. This allows you to really see what interests you most and what module would best fit your future career prospects. I found the opportunity to complete a module in bioinformatics allowed me to consider PhD projects that required some computational work, leading me to my current project where I utilise these skills to process and analyse complex NMR data!

What other things did you do at University which helped you to get where you are now?

I completed a term-time internship with the career’s service and was Treasurer of the Irish Dance society during my second year which allowed me to communicate with a range of staff and students, whilst also gaining experience in an authoritative position with my own responsibilities. I was a student ambassador between my 2^nd and final year which allowed me to communicate with a different demographic of prospective students and family members. Lastly, I maintained a good working relationship with each member of the research lab that I completed my 3^rd and final year projects in- This meant that I was supplied with a wealth of advice and support when I was applying for PhD positions.

What one piece of advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started?

Make sure to study responsibly and incorporate other activities such as clubs, societies, or exercise to help prevent burn out- especially during exam season!

What support do you wish you had when you first started? And are there any resources that you would recommend to people?

I would recommend engaging with the fantastic resources provided by the biological sciences career’s service as early as possible! They provide fantastic advice on courses, term time/summer internships, and volunteering opportunities to help you get an idea of what you may want to pursue as a career, whilst also giving you invaluable experience that will improve your confidence when working in professional environments.