I have gained invaluable experience in medical research and in a hospital setting as a volunteer that will be directly applicable to my work in the medical profession during my medical degree and after I graduate.
I participated in UQ Abroad and studied at University College Dublin, Ireland. Studying abroad was a completely new experience for me and I learnt to live and travel independently, adapt to a different culture and develop language and communication skills. The experience enhanced my understanding of other cultures and it is my hope that I will be able to return to study or work in Ireland in the future.
I also completed an 8-week research project at a leading cancer research laboratory in the Translational Research Institute (TRI). This position was challenging and there were times that I had difficulties getting my experiments to work, which I managed to troubleshoot (with help!) I had the opportunity to learn invaluable research skills and assist with important experiments that are being developed into clinical trials.
The exposure to research I received as part of the award has allowed me to consider taking a research pathway with my degree. I have been invited back to the lab that I completed a Winter Research project with to undertake another project. Additionally, I think that all the skills I have developed in order to complete the award will be relevant and help to set me apart in a very competitive field.