The Florey Institute at the University of Sheffield has been hosting students from the International Internship Program over the summer months. This program is an opportunity for students from Princeton University to take part in internships across the world. Our students have been working hard and Julia Edgar has taken some time to tell us about her experiences of the UK.
It’s hard to believe that 8 weeks have already whizzed by from my time here in Sheffield. This was my first time traveling to the UK and I was very excited to start a new adventure in a country high on my bucket list. This summer I had the fortunate opportunity to work in Dr. Claire Turner’s research lab at the University of Sheffield, a part of The Florey Institute. The small but close-knit lab group were all so welcoming. I can’t be more thankful for their time and kindness they have showed while teaching me about their work and numerous new laboratory techniques. I have throughly enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside PhD student, Alex Remmington, on a project looking at a dynamic phage-like chromosomal island in Group A Streptococcus pyogenes.
There was never a dull moment spent in the lab conducting various experiments thanks to Alex’s eclectic playlists of Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion and Bollywood hits. I know I will dearly miss the office chats, group debrief moments when experiments go awry, and the Krebs Cafe cookies. I have learned an abundance of practical and conceptual knowledge and gained a new confidence in the lab all thanks to the absolute wonderful people of the Turner Lab. I am excited to apply all that I’ve learned to my own third year project and senior thesis back at Princeton.
There was never a dull moment spent in the lab conducting various experiments thanks to Alex’s eclectic playlists of Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion and Bollywood hits. I know I will dearly miss the office chats, group debrief moments when experiments go awry, and the Krebs Cafe cookies. I have learned an abundance of practical and conceptual knowledge and gained a new confidence in the lab all thanks to the absolute wonderful people of the Turner Lab. I am excited to apply all that I’ve learned to my own third year project and senior thesis back at Princeton.
Away from the lab I have enjoyed living with the other two Princeton students also in Sheffield and doing a bit of traveling. Our gracious Air BnB host has made the experience much closer to a homestay with weekly group grocery store trips, a traditional Sunday roast and evening chats about our home countries’ similarities and contrasts. My weekends have been busy as I’ve had the chance to travel to various near-by cities to visit other friends and discover new places! The trips have included a coastal hike outside of Dublin, afternoon tea in London, castle exploring in Edinburgh, seaside strolls in Brighton, and all The Royal Family connections I could fit in! When I have stayed in Sheffield I spent time exploring the city centre and hiking in the Peak District.
As I reflect back on my experience I am extremely grateful for all the kind people I have met, cities I’ve seen, and newly possessed knowledge I can take with me as I return for my third year at Princeton. Before it has even ended I have begun to miss this summer of a lifetime. Thank you very much to the Turner Lab and all that made this experience possible.
Julia
As I reflect back on my experience I am extremely grateful for all the kind people I have met, cities I’ve seen, and newly possessed knowledge I can take with me as I return for my third year at Princeton. Before it has even ended I have begun to miss this summer of a lifetime. Thank you very much to the Turner Lab and all that made this experience possible.
Julia
