Veerapattra (Im) Apitidakul
BSc in Biomedical Genetics, graduated 2024
MRes Student - Medical and Molecular Biosciences
Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?
Choosing Newcastle University was a decision shaped by many factors. The city itself is diverse and offers the perfect balance, not too big, yet not too small. The friendly and supportive staff and academics made me feel welcomed right from the start when I visited the Campus. Moreover, Newcastle is at the forefront of biomedical research, providing opportunities for learning and innovation, making it an ideal place to pursue my studies and interests in genetics.
What did/do you love about Newcastle University?
I appreciate many aspects of Newcastle University. The support from personal tutors has been very helpful from the first year up until now. I also enjoyed participating in a variety of activities through "Give It A Go", which allowed me to explore new activities with others with the same interests. Moreover, being part of the Thai Society connected with others who share my background, providing a sense of community during my studies away from home.
What did you enjoy most (or least!) about your course?
One of the aspects I enjoyed most about my course was my final year project. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to gain valuable lab skills and a firsthand understanding of what it is like to be a researcher from my supervisor and lab members. I particularly fascinated by the fact that I was investigating a new hypothesis that had not been explored before, which made the project even more exciting and rewarding.
Tell us a little bit about career journey. How did you get into what you do now?
I’m currently pursuing an MRes in Medical and Molecular Biosciences at Newcastle University, building on my background in Biomedical Genetics. My undergraduate degree sparked my interest in research, especially in areas like synthetic biology and host-microbial interactions. I chose this course to further explore my wide research interests and gain the skills necessary for a future career in academia or industry. Particularly, I want to enhance my computational skills through chosen modules and practical skills through a 24-week research project.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
I enjoy the hands-on research experience and the opportunity to learn cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology and bioinformatics. I am able to deepen my genetics understanding and its application through bioinformatics skills gained from my modules. Choosing a module in an area that I am not familiar with also widen my knowledge in biomedical applications, providing essential guidance for my future career options.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career journey?
The biggest challenge has been narrowing down my broad interests in genetics and cellular processes to find a specific area of focus. Balancing academic work, extracurricular activities, and long-term career planning has also required careful time management.
How did your course and experiences at Newcastle University prepare you for your current role?
My undergraduate degree at Newcastle provided me with a strong foundation in genetics and molecular biology, along with critical research skills. The transition to the MRes program has allowed me to refine these skills further, especially through its emphasis on independent research and advanced experimental methods.
What other things did you do at University which helped you to get where you are now?
Participating in research internships and engaging with academic staff, especially my tutor and supervisors, helped me build confidence and refine my interests. I also attended career workshops and networking events, which gave me insight into potential career paths and the skills needed to pursue them.
What one piece of advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started?
I wish someone would tell me to enjoy University life more as academic work can become burdensome when there is no rest. Therefore, I would recommend for everyone to balance their studies and social life, and they they do not have to be scared to reach out to new people to connect to them.
What support do you wish you had when you first started? And are there any resources that you would recommend to people?
I wish I had known how to effectively use a citation manager for referencing early on as it would have saved a lot of time when completing assignments. I recommend reaching out to the Academic Skills Kit for help with referencing and other essential academic writing skills.