My journey with Gene Editors of the Future began with a spark of fascination for gene editing, inspired by CRISPR’s groundbreaking Nobel Prize in 2020. As an international student, I started with solid theoretical knowledge, but quickly realised the need to strengthen my practical skills. To bridge this gap, I embraced opportunities to lead lab sessions, coordinate events, and engage with budding scientists to share insights and discoveries.

Over time, I transformed from a newcomer into a trusted team member. With Dr Kalpana’s guidance, I helped organise impactful events like the Mayoral gathering, the MP’s event, and Science4U. Our dedication earned us an invitation to a TV roundtable on cancer vaccines, where I honed my communication abilities and gained confidence in discussing complex topics.

Driven by this growth, I sought out more chances to contribute, attending conferences like the SDG 24 Summit at Westminster and BCUR 2024. At SDG 24, I explored student-led research and innovative education models, while at BCUR, I delved into bisphenols and breast cancer. A pivotal moment was speaking at the Education and Networking Conference, where I passionately advocated for integrating employability skills into academic curricula.

Balancing my master’s project with these extracurricular endeavours, I evolved from a reserved student into a confident professional, making meaningful connections and learning to share my knowledge in ways that benefit others. This journey has not only shaped my academic path but also strengthened my resolve to build a career that bridges science and society.

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2024

At the symposium, I took the lead in introducing Gene Editors of the Future to students and staff, emphasising how extracurricular activities enhance employability skills. I shared our pioneering work with CRISPR-Cas9, student testimonials, and our commitment to public engagement, sparking interest in the future of genetic science.

Open Days and School Visits

As a student leader during open days and school visits, I demonstrated experiments, answered questions, and offered career guidance. I managed the lab setup, guided students through experiments, and helped them interpret data, providing a hands-on experience that made complex science both accessible and engaging.

Westminster Learning and Teaching Symposium

At the Westminster Learning and Teaching Symposium, I represented Gene Editors of the Future-Iteration 3 as a panel member, discussing the role of extracurricular activities in student development. I shared insights on how these activities can enhance employability and student engagement, reinforcing the value of real-world learning.

Event 4: Roundtable, TRT-World

During a roundtable discussion with TRT-World, I represented both Gene Editors of the Future and the MSc Applied Biotechnology course, sharing my insights on mRNA cancer vaccines. I highlighted both the promise and limitations of this research, stressing the importance of public awareness and understanding of such transformative scientific advances.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) All Colleague Workshop

At the SDG workshop, I discussed how Gene Editors of the Future aligns with the university’s educational goals. I explained how our programme bridges the gap between curriculum and practical science, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge research and opportunities to engage the public on crucial scientific issues.

Narratives Conference

At the Narratives Conference, I presented stories from 500 Gene Editors, illustrating how our weekly activities help develop key interpersonal and professional skills. Engaging in discussions with attendees from various UK universities, I highlighted the impact of our programme in preparing students for successful careers in science.

Science4U

At Science4U, I engaged with students across all levels, showcasing the role of micronuclei as a gold standard marker for cancer. I facilitated discussions, managed our stall, and organised interactive activities, inspiring students to explore the exciting science of oncology and molecular biology, while sparking their curiosity.

Gene Editors of the Future: The Spring Celebration and Lab Sessions

During the Spring Celebration, I helped organise the event and presented a poster on bisphenol-induced changes in breast carcinogenesis. As a student leader, I supported our team’s initiatives, working closely with Dr Kalpana Surendranath and Prof John Murphy to deliver impactful insights into cutting-edge scientific research.

London Citizens 2024 Mayoral Accountability Assembly

For the Mayoral Accountability Assembly, I led the management of an event with around 2,000 attendees. Alongside my team, we arranged the hall, welcomed guests, and ensured smooth event operations. This experience tested my leadership, organisational skills, and ability to coordinate effectively with my peers in managing large-scale events.

MP’s Event

At the MP’s event, my team and I organised a session with the local Westminster MP ahead of the election. I actively participated in discussions around development and employability issues in London, asking relevant questions, managing the team, and supporting the event’s organisation to ensure everything ran smoothly.

British Conference of Undergraduate Research 2024

For BCUR 2024, I led the collection and analysis of data on the effects of BPA, BPF, and BPS on breast carcinogenesis. I played a key role in designing, writing, and proofreading our poster, while also managing the poster session and engaging with researchers across the UK, enhancing both my scientific and communication skills.

Industry Internships

During my internship at Medix Biochemica, I led a project investigating the efficiency of a synthetic enzyme, HIDI, using skills from the Gene Editors of the Future programme. I also supported my colleagues on other projects, brainstorming ideas, clarifying concepts, and presenting findings to the R&D team.

Proofreader for a Book Chapter

For the recent release of our book chapter, titled ‘Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences: Recent Progress and Future Prospects,’ I took on the role of editor and proofreader. I carefully reviewed and refined the content, ensuring clarity and accuracy. This experience deepened my understanding of CRISPR and highlighted the meticulous effort required to produce high-quality published work.