Natalie Goel - Designing an antiviral drug for Rift Valley Fever Virus
Joint studentship with the School of Life Sciences (University of Sussex) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
I appreciate being challenged to manage my own experiments and project.
What do you enjoy most about your PhD?
My favourite part of my PhD is being in the laboratory, learning laboratory skills and techniques that are novel to me. Every day I am building my confidence and proficiency within the lab, which is exciting.
I appreciate being challenged to manage my own experiments and project, while also contributing to a wider scientific question. Researching my project and undertaking wider reading around the topic interests me, and I enjoy having a tailored focus to extend my knowledge on.
Could you share details of the journey that led to your PhD, including any experiences (professional, personal or educational) that have helped shape that path?
Completing my undergraduate degree in Bioveterinary Science gave me an understanding of the importance of zoonotic disease control along with the opportunity to undertake a laboratory research project in molecular biology. My research project allowed me to absorb working within a research focussed laboratory, as well as develop my knowledge in molecular research which is the basis of my PhD. I also completed a year in industry during my undergraduate degree where I gained experience in a diagnostic laboratory.
This opportunity consolidated my goal to pursue a career in a laboratory, as well as providing me with industry experience and knowledge within a range of techniques. Undertaking this experience enhanced my confidence within the laboratory, giving me the self-assurance I needed to apply for a PhD. Overall, both my undergraduate and industry experience combined confirmed that completing a PhD was the appropriate next step for me.
Supervisors:
- Dr Antony Oliver (University of Sussex)
- Dr Frances Pearl (University of Sussex)
- Rachel Ireland (Dstl)
Detection, prevention and intervention Wessex One Health Doctoral Landscape Programme