Plant Molecular Biology

My interest in molecular biology led to me undertaking a summer research internship at the
The Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (Australia). It involved molecular
characterisation of exon 11 of the canine purinergic receptor P2X7 gene in search of a loss of
function mutation. I learnt how to amplify the region of gene I was interested in and how to analyse
the data obtained from sequencing. This was my first experience of independent research, from
which I feel I benefitted from working independently and in a professional research environment.
My supervisor at this internship had previously worked with one of the professors at my home
university, the University of East Anglia, and recommended me to him. This resulted in me
undertaking my final year research project in his laboratory.
This research project involved investigating the functional pharmacology of purinergic receptors on
the mouse vascular endothelium to try and determine which receptor sub-types were activated by
ATP. I achieved this by using a variety of antagonists and a ratiometric calcium dye to measure ATPevoked
calcium responses. I learnt how to maintain my own mammalian cell culture as well as how
to conduct and organise my own research. I made the most of this experience by also engaging in
Journal club, joining discussions and presenting in the laboratory meetings. This experience, as part
of a university research group, confirmed that a PhD was the correct next step for me.