Getting to know the Florey Students - Chloë

Name: Chloe Marshall
         
Age: 23

Hometown: Rotherham

Florey Studentship:
Started my PhD in Oct 2013 working Dr Colin Bingle and Dr Lynne Bingle in the Department of Infection and Immunity. The main focus of my PhD project is to study the potential interactions between the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and proteins secreted epithelial cells present in the respiratory tract.

Previous Experience
I completed my undergraduate degree at Newcastle University achieving a First Class Honours BSc in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. For my undergraduate research project in third year I worked with Professor Brendan Kenny looking at the effect of certain components of the E. coli secretion system on phagocytosis by macrophages. During my second year of undergraduate degree I worked as a laboratory assistant. This gave me valuable experience about the running and coordination of a lab and the management of resources available. Having not completed a Masters qualification I transitioned straight from undergraduate to PhD. My degree from Newcastle had allowed me to develop the necessary skills and experience to be able to begin my PhD.

Achievements
I was awarded the Award for Microbiology from Newcastle University in both my second and third years as an undergraduate student. I was fortunate enough to be selected to give the Orator speech during my graduation which was a very emotional and proud experience.
I have completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and I would like to complete my Gold Award soon.
I feel a huge achievement of my PhD was the successful organisation and running of the Florey Institute Symposium which was an event organised for PhD students by PhD students. It was a new experience for all the Florey students but we worked very efficiently as a team to organise a very successful symposium. So successful we decided to make it an annual event!
I have presented my work at several Departmental and University Research days but look forward to presenting at external conferences as my PhD progresses.

Current Interests and Activities
As part of my extra-curricular work alongside my PhD I am involved in several outreach and teaching projects. I am an active member of the Medical Postgraduate Society and my role is to represent the students within the Department of Infection and Immunity to voice any problems and work to solve any issues which may arise.
I am also involved in the ‘Realising Opportunities’ scheme University of Sheffield to tutor two A Level students through a research report.
Outside of my studies I enjoy baking (and eating cake), watching TV and films, running and fitness and reading - amongst other things. I make time to socialise with family and friends and generally relax and unwind.

Favourite aspect about being a Florey Student?
When I started my PhD it was nice to have a close association with 5 other PhD students and their supervisors. We can help each other with resources and techniques and general advice throughout our projects,

Top tips for PhD students
My top tip number one is to socialise with your department and faculty as much as possible to stop your PhD becoming quite isolating.
Top tip number two is to get involved with extra-curricular and development opportunities during your first year, you will have more time and it can be a nice break from lab work to do something different every now and then.
My last tip would be - make lists and lots of them to keep on top of what needs doing in the short term and the long term.

Relevant Links
LinkedIn – Chloe Marshall
http://www.floreyinstitute.com/research-projects.html
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/infectionandimmunity