Futures Fund injects success into graduates scientific research
Attending his first ever conference in the US with support from the Futures Fund, “dramatically” inspired Sunderland scientist Joseph French and fired his confidence and imagination into new areas of research.
Two years ago, the BSc Biomedical Sciences graduate successfully applied for £2,500 award which funded his five-day trip to attend the 19th annual international conference on DNA computing and molecular programming in Arizona.
As a result of the confidence he gained, the global connections he made in the scientific community, and the ideas he developed in his areas of research interest - computing and biology, at the conference, Joseph was inspired to develop his own research, creating a DNA based drug delivery nanomachine, as part of a Masters degree in Leeds, immediately after he returned from the trip.
He wanted to create a nanomachine that incorporated major aspects of DNA computing, the performing of computations using biological molecules, rather than traditional silicon chips. Although “ambitious” admits Joseph, his objective was to cure cancer with an entirely DNA based system that would detect a certain molecule and release its cargo.
The 24 year-old from Teesside said: “While it is difficult to judge the weight of each experience within a career, I believe that attending this conference had a dramatic affect on my scientific career. My approach to scientific problems improved with the larger familiarity of techniques in use today.
“Additionally my ability to conceive and produce novel ideas greatly improved with my exposure to current research and techniques in the field.
“I have gained a great deal of confidence as a scientist both within a conference and in the lab. This entire trip was one of the most prominent and enjoyable experiences in my scientific life.”
Joseph is now about to start a PhD at Durham University under the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Soft matter and Functional Interfaces Scheme.
He said: “While this focuses more on nanoscopic interactions rather than smart machines, my previous experience will no doubt have an effect on my approach to problems. I still fully intend to continue onwards afterwards into a research role in Academia producing biologically compatible nanomachines.”
He added: “Ultimately the results of being awarded the Futures Fund scholarship had a dramatic impact on my professional career immensely and I would like to thank the people at the University of Sunderland who made this opportunity possible.”