The SURE scheme was advertised to my year group during my lectures and it provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge

Neuroscience was an area that particularly interested me during my first two years of biomedical science. I particularly enjoyed the series of lectures related to memory and how it is formed in the brain, focussing on long term potentiation and long term depression.

However, we were told that these changes in synaptic strength were not the only contributors to memory formation and that morphological changes also occur.

The SURE scheme was advertised to my year group during my lectures and it provided me with the opportunity to research such changes and expand my knowledge of a topic that fascinated me.

This project not only allowed me to greater my understanding of the complex techniques used in a practical environment but also provided me with invaluable laboratory experience.

Lauren Kettle

BSc Biomedical Science

During the project, I completed an independent research project investigating the physical changes that occur in the brain when memories are formed. I was trained in four techniques: fly genetics, brain dissections, confocal imaging, and image analysis, allowing me produce flies with different genotypes and compare the neurons in their brains.

This project not only allowed me to greater my understanding of the complex techniques used in a practical environment but also provided me with invaluable laboratory experience.

These skills will prove essential for the completion of an independent research project during my third year. After completion of my undergraduate degree, I hope to be able to use the transferable skills I developed during the SURE scheme in my future career.