Katherine ‘Katie’ Birditt, graduated from Roehampton in 2023 with a First in Biomedical Science and has since joined the MPhil Neuroscience programme at the University of Cambridge. Katie was awarded the British Neuroscience Association (BNA) 2023 Undergraduate Award.

We caught up with Katie to ask her some questions about her time at Roehampton and what she is doing now after graduating from the university.

What did you study at Roehampton and when did you graduate?

I studied Biomedical Science at Roehampton and graduated in 2023.

What have you done since leaving Roehampton?

Since leaving Roehampton I’ve taken on a variety of new roles – one of which is a part time role at the British Neuroscience Association (BNA). I edit science articles submitted by students and prepare them for publication in the BNA bulletin.

I am also a full-time student. I was awarded a master’s scholarship to study at Cambridge University: MPhil Basic and Translation Neuroscience.

What do you miss about Roehampton?

I miss walking around campus on the way to classes and the library with my friends. As well, the support from lecturers, they were always willing to help with applications, answering questions and talking through material taught in class.

What was your favourite spot on campus?

My favourite spot was the Hive, just going inside and getting a coffee and sitting outside in good weather – such a unique and relaxing space with great coffee and cinnamon buns!

How do you feel your time at Roehampton influenced your current career?

Before I went to Roehampton, I wanted to study medicine, however, after three internships, I discovered I also enjoyed science. This led me down my current research focused path. I didn’t think about academia much before but the positive experience of learning and working in great laboratories was influential. The lecturers influenced me by leading and supporting me and providing guidance and mentoring.

The community and support system at Roehampton allowed me to achieve my goals and showed me what I want to achieve in the future.

I completed two internships whilst at Roehampton, one in the summer of 2022, and the other in the summer of 2023. One was a paid position carrying out tasks in data analysis, laboratories, and publications. The other was voluntary, I did this alongside my studies.

With these experiences, I was able to think like a scientist. Internships were a great experience as the research goes beyond the lecturers and the classroom.

I was awarded a competitive, fully funded internship by the Wellcome Trust under their Biomedical Vacation Scholarship scheme. The application process required me to fill out questions about my research interest and motivation to undertake this project. There was no interview for this internship, but often there will be one for competitive programmes like this. I had an incredible experience at one of the leading research centres in the country, learning new techniques.

What advice do you have for current students?

Be open minded and make the most of all opportunities (some you may have to put some effort in looking out for). Internships, voluntary opportunities, laboratory placements, student ambassador roles, are all valuable experiences. Get involved in something you can later talk about in your CV and that should be based on your character and aims. Do something that will benefit your future career even if it’s completely unrelated to science.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My dream is to have completed a PhD and a medical degree. Becoming a clinician scientist is my ultimate goal as and I want to undertake research on Alzheimer’s whilst also treating patients too.

I would also like to mentor young people and therefore work within the science communication space.

Who inspired you most at Roehampton?

There are so many people, but one person who comes to mind is Dr Yolanda Calle-Patino who I spent many months volunteering with. As an aspiring female scientist, she was a great role model and inspired me in the way she conducted her research, treated people, and discussed scientific concepts.