Research Assistant Student

Stdent Research Assistant statement, Biological and Biomedical systems, Gladys Adomako

Having completed a BSc in Biological Sciences at first degree in August 2000, I went on, in September 2003 to enroll on a PGCE in Science Education. I then taught Science full-time at the secondary school level from June 2004 till April 2011 and enrolled on the one year full time MA Science Education program at Institute of Education, University of London. And continued to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Research whiles teaching full time and mothering my children. I always desired to pursue doctoral studies but had to put my fy family first. I continued in 2019 with another MSc in Biomedical Sciences and I believe this course has played a pivotal role in sustaining my intellectual interest in current developments in scientific research. In the past year, while studying at the master’s level I have derived interest in academic literature and feel more drawn towards pursuing a PhD a PhD in the Biological and Biomedical Field. Given my past experience I intend to contribute in whatever way I can to your department should you grant me the priviledge of embarking on a PhD with you.

A number of course modules I have undertaken during my Diploma in professional Research, BSc and Masters in Biomedical Sciences and Science Education have paved the path for doctoral studies in this field of Biological and Biomedical Systems.

First, the Science Education programs enabled me to reflect on what constitutes science education and developments therein.

The practical professional research in science education post graduate diploma served to guide me on how to develop a research question and research plan from an initial area of interest.

I found my more recent full-time studies in Biomedical Sciences truly intriguing and the year passed really quickly. During the MSc studies in Biomedical Sciences I recruited a group of participants and carried out research into the comparative effects of High Intensity Interval training and Moderate training on weight distribution in human the body in different people groups. The study looked at biochemical and physiological changes which take place in the body during sustained exercise, whiles exploring assumptions which underpin current practice in a UK exercise gym. For each participant I took readings such as basal metabolic index, pulse rate, breathing rate before and after six weeks of specified exercise, and used the data gathered to discuss the likely effects of different exercises on the body. My findings were presented in a conerence and the thesis published by the university.

In addition to this, I took modules in Laboratory and Experimental techniques as well as Human Physiological systems during Health and Disease. Another module I took was in Biology of Disease and Clinical Diagnoses. These have all been relevant to my Science teaching of Advanced level Biology and Advanced level Chemistry as I prepared 17-19 year olds for UK university entrance exams.

The breadth and depth of the four year BSc Biological Sciences program served as a strong foundation for developing in several fields.

My earlier studies in Biological Sciences have afforded me the competence to pursue research in Circadian hythms, Genetics or Molecular Biology. Therefore the current research described on your website which encompasses genetics, behavioural, molecular and Cell Biology among others, would be of primary interest to me.

The nature of my recent masters’ dissertation also lends itself to the area of Cell Biology and Biochemistry. For this reason, I would be delighted to be considered for research in this area if this becomes a necessary option.

I appreciate the relevance of animal behaviour in the advertised PhD project on your website on circadian rhythms as I did study a good amount of behavioural science during my first degree.

My undergraduate degree was in Biological Sciences and my research project was to study the seasonal behaviour of bees and other pollinators of sunflowers. Back then, I was interested to explore and compare the activity, behaviour and effects of pollinating insects from around the world on sunflower yield. It took several months of visiting, cultivating and harvesting my own sunflower fields in various regions, but in the end my effort paid off as I processed the data for my observations, resulting in insightful findings, the beginnings of a well-written dissertation.

I will count it my special privilege if given the opportunity to contribute to development of both students and assist staff within the department. Given my recent background experience in educational research, I should be interested in a teaching assistantship, if the opportunity becomes available.

I am a lifelong learner, keen to learn and practise and, I believe I have acquired the maturity and rigour it takes to successfully complete this PhD in “ Biological and Biomedical Systems”, whiles making a rich contribution to the team. I look forward to hearing from you.