Students win prestigious research scholarship

Travis Bacon and Ben Moore, both first year BSc Medical Sciences students, have recently been awarded prestigious Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarships. The scholarships offer outstanding students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research alongside leading academics. The scholarships are funded by alumni of the University of Leeds.

Travis will commence a project with Professor Michelle Peckham relating to Myosins in Prostate Cancer/Tubulins in Brain and Striated Muscle. Ben will undertake a project with Professor Arun Holden relating to Computational Approaches to Cardiac Electrophysiology.

Ben says: "I feel extremely privileged to be able to continue my current research work with Professor Holden. It's very exciting being part of an active research team and the challenges it will bring, giving me valuable experience for future projects and studies I will be involved with."

This opportunity will allow both students to gain vital analytical and team-working skills, as well as developing skills in enterprise, research and leadership. Travis and Ben will have the chance to contribute to key research whilst also improving their academic skills and employment prospects.

Both students will attend a 3 day induction event in June where they will have an opportunity to meet their sponsors, almnus Peter Cheney (Bacteriology and Biochemistry 1969) and his wife Sue. They will also attend a three day leadership training programme in December of their second year as part of their leadership development.

Travis says: “I’m most excited to be part of a cutting-edge research team. For many years I’ve been looking forward to such an opportunity, and did not think it would become possible until my potential industrial placement in my third year, so to be given the chance now is a real privilege!”

After their induction, Travis and Ben will begin work in the research laboratories for a six-to-eight week placement, which they will continue during the summer after their second year.

24th May 2012