Meet our students and alumni

We asked some of our students and graduates to share their experiences of studying in the School of Biosciences, and to tell us what they've ended up doing with their degree.

Exploring the Oregon coast on my year abroad

Maddy Brunt Oregon State University in the USA

Maddy spent the second year of her biology degree studying at Oregon State University. While there, she explored beautiful forests and coastlines, skied on Oregon’s mountains, and immersed herself in the local culture.

Developing my skills with a placement year

Sarah Biggins Degree: MBiolSci Biology with Placement Year

Between her second and third year at Sheffield, Sarah completed a placement at the university where she worked in Engagement and Communication. This placement gave Sarah the opportunity to network with various employers, and secured her a job within Strategic Planning Research upon graduation.

Although it may seem a bit daunting at first, I highly recommend studying abroad to anyone

Eline Van Aalderink Year abroad: University of Queensland, Australia

Eline spent the second year of her biology degree studying at the University of Queensland, Australia learning about the local and unique flora and fauna, studying marine biology, and travelling all over the country.

My year in industry helped me secure a graduate role with Sanofi

Laura Bradley Hammersmith Medicines Research

Laura spent her year in industry working as a Student Biomedical Scientist at clinical research organisation Hammersmith Medicines Research.

My third year research project using Cryo-Electron microscopy

Matthew Stedman Using state-of-the-art equipment

For his final year project, Matthew had the chance to use Sheffield’s brand new cryo-electron microscope (worth around £2.5 million) as he studied amyloidβ, the causative agent of Alzheimer’s disease.

My course helped me secure a PhD scholarship to study marine biology in Australia!

Jennie Smith MBiolSci Biology

From gaining field experience through her field course in Borneo, to studying Heliconius butterflies as a research assistant in Ecuador, Jennie made the most of her time at Sheffield.

I’ve spent the last year of my life up in Hull, working full time in a busy microbiology lab

Ocean Clarke Placement organisation: RB

Ocean decided to discover what life would be like working in industry by spending a year on placement with FMCG company, RB as part of her degree. Ocean will be starting a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Bath this September with the new skills she developed on placement.

If you’re considering doing a placement, I would definitely say just go for it

Emma Hetherington Placement organisation: Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD)

Emma spent her year in industry working in the clinical trials department at MSD. During her year, Emma learnt about the strict regulations that govern the industry and also got a chance to visit hospitals who were running MSD’s clinical trials.

I decided a year in industry was a great way to gain significant experience

Rosie Malone Placement organisation: Covance

Rosie spent her year in industry working as a Clinical Project Administrator for global research organisation, Covance. Thanks to her placement, Rosie discovered that a creative route is what she wants to pursue after graduation and hopes to study for a masters in Medical Art with a view to entering medical illustration.

My time as a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Leader

Reem Abouward Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Leader

Reem joined the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) scheme during her first year at Sheffield, becoming a PASS Leader in her second year, supporting first year students in their learning. This summer, Reem was recognised for her contribution to learning and teaching and was awarded the Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Meet our students and alumni

Visit us