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Course: BSc in Biological and Chemical sciences (common entry) (LM123) 

Supervisor: Professor Edmond Magner and Associate Professor Shalini Singh 

Name of Research Project/Activity: Electrochemical Detection of Protein via Conductive Nanocrystal Tags.  

Q) Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and why you decided to study the course you are taking at UL? 

My name is Suné van der Merwe. I lived in South Africa until the age of sixteen and then I moved to Ireland. Since I was younger, I have always had an interest in science though I never knew what career path I wanted to pursue. LM123 was the perfect course to start my university journey with as it offered me with introductory modules in maths, chemistry, biology, physics etc. Throughout my first year I was shown what each module could lead to, and it helped me decide what I am truly interested in, which turned out to be Industrial Biochemistry.  

Q) What motivated you to apply for the Summer Bursary Programme? 

I was eager to challenge myself with a project that would build up my confidence in the lab and that would provide me with the experience I need for a career in Industrial Biochemistry. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to work alongside professors and PhD students to see what new knowledge and skills I could develop with their help. I also knew that this would be the ideal way to prepare myself for my co-op placement in my third year. 

Q) What are you doing as part of your research here at UL? 

I have been working with the Nanocrystal Research Team here in the Bernal Institute. I am reading several articles on my project to help me understand the work that I am doing in the lab. I have also been using the graphing and data analysis software, Origin, to graph and interpret the data from my findings. Currently, I have been conducting place exchange procedures to attach the protein Cytochrome c onto the surface of Iron oxide nanoparticles and testing whether the exchange has successfully occurred, so I am essentially using nanocrystals with biological linkers to detect and tag specific proteins. 

Q) What skills have you developed over the summer? 

I have developed many important skills throughout the research. I can now use Origin to plot my data to make it look more professional and easier to understand. I also understand how to synthesise nanoparticles and how to operate the instruments required to make them. I have also learned how to use characterisation techniques such as XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM and Zeta potential analysis. I have also evolved my communication skills and seen how important it is to efficiently work in a team. 

Q) What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others? 

UPSTaRT has taught me so much in such a short amount of time. I learned how to problem solve when things do not go as planned as well as communicating within a team. I would recommend this experience to other undergraduates, as it teaches the detailed skills to improve lab work that you could only learn from a hands-on experience with professionals. If you are an undergraduate student that is preparing for placement or thinking of pursuing a postgraduate research degree, this would also be the perfect opportunity for you. 

Q) What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research? 

At this point in time, I plan on getting my bachelor’s degree in Industrial Biochemistry. I know I want to work within a team in a lab and after having spent the summer here in Bernal, I am open to pursuing a career in research.