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Kat actively sought out opportunities beyond her studies, in internships and a placement at the University of Toronto. These have helped her secure hands-on experience, new skills and have shaped her academic direction. 

She said: “The interdisciplinary research was important because I finally got to see both sides of the drug discovery process. It is this interdisciplinary nature of medicinal chemistry that I’ve enjoyed most. The experiences have helped me clarify that I want to be involved in interdisciplinary research, involving both synthetic chemistry and bacterial assays.” 

Gaining research experience 

During her voluntary internships, Kat worked with Southampton’s biology department researching bacteriophages that attack E. coli, while also exploring synthetic approaches to DNA nucleotide formation in Southampton’s chemistry department. 

She also spent 6 months on placement at the University of Toronto where she joined a research team focusing on advanced organic synthesis. This pushed her technical abilities to a new level and gave her experience working with more complex and hazardous reagents. 

While the placement enhanced her skills, it also reinforced her long-term ambitions to pursue a career in interdisciplinary research, rather than specialising in one particular area. 

She believes placements are important as they teach you how labs outside your home university operate. 
“You learn to adapt to new systems and new procedures, as well as expanding your skillset,” she said. 
 

Studying at Southampton 

Kat came to Southampton through the Clearing process. She chose Southampton because it gave her a chance to pursue biology modules on top of building a strong chemistry foundation. 

She describes studying at Southampton as opening the door to a highly supportive academic environment, where staff have been particularly accessible and friendly. 

She said: “It has been really opportunistic. Professors have made time for me again and again and have given me the chance to gain lab experience.” 

Kat also highlights the benefits of University facilities such as the recently renovated sports centre that features a larger gym space, swimming facilities and rock climbing. She has also been part of a band as a guitarist that has taught her a lot about teamwork, planning and patience.” 

Looking ahead to the future 

Kat is setting her sights on a future in research. “I will hopefully be starting a PhD as I’d love to stay in the realm of research,” she said. 

And her advice to new students? “Ask your professors for experience in their labs and to reach out to their contacts at other institutions or in industry.”