UG Summer Placement - A Case Study
TSN ROKSDébora de Almeida e Magalhães
Hosted by Pete O’Toole, University of York
“Before this placement, I had no idea what a Research Technical Professional (RTP) was. I thought everyone in a lab had a research role and that was that. This experience really opened my eyes. I got to see the work that goes on behind the scenes, like how the technology facility runs and supports various projects. It’s given me a much better appreciation for these roles and how essential they are to the research process.
One thing I’d love to see in the future is more visibility for RTP roles, especially for students like me. I think if universities promoted the work of technology facilities through social media or integrated it into career workshops, more students would discover these kinds of careers. In our degree programs, we mostly hear about research or industry, but there’s so much more out there that we’re not told about.
This placement has been eye-opening for me. The experience really broadened my perspective and showed me how much I enjoy the hands-on aspect of science. I’m still deciding, but this has definitely changed how I view my future career.”
I think the biggest takeaway for me has been how much more I now understand about applying the theory I learned in university. I learned more in those 10 weeks than I ever imagined.”
“Hosting summer studentships is multiply positive. Firstly, it is simply great to help inspire scientists of the future, but this aspect is a privilege and it is important that it also brings other benefits.
As such, the summer studentships also enable a core facility to prioritise aspects that are otherwise difficult to justify or commit significant time. Thus the studentships also have a positive impact within the core itself.
On top of the above, Debs was the perfect example of how a summer studentship can bring even more fun and excitement into the lab, with contagious enthusiasm.”
Pete O’Toole, University of York
