My name is Yasmin and I’m a final year dental student at Cardiff. Over the past 3 years, INSPIRE has provided the support and funds for me to further explore my interest in immunology and cancer research.
Working in the tissue culture lab, I gained invaluable hands-on experience that expanded my understanding of scientific processes beyond clinic, whilst also sharpening my technical skills. Through designing experiments, collecting data, and troubleshooting unexpected results, I developed critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for clinical practice. The opportunity to work closely with master’s and PhD students as well as leading researchers in the field further enhanced my ability to conduct rigorous, evidence-based investigations, giving me a solid foundation in scientific inquiry.
These experiences have also afforded me the opportunity to attend multiple scientific research conferences including the RCSEd Undergraduate Surgical Research symposium and BSODR 2024, which I found equally transformative. These conferences exposed me to a wide range of groundbreaking research and emerging trends in the field of dentistry, broadening my perspective on how research directly impacts patient care. Networking with professionals, researchers, and fellow students from other universities allowed me to engage in stimulating discussions, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections.
Presenting my own research with INSPIRE at these conferences helped boost my confidence, honed my communication skills, and underscored the importance of translating scientific findings into practical applications.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed doing the INSPIRE studentship and it has fuelled my passion for integrating research and academia into my future career as a dental professional. I would definitely recommend the scheme to any student curious about research and looking for a challenge!
