BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Applied Biomedical Science Research student, Hannah Etheridge shares with us her experience studying a science degree at Leeds Beckett University and how she wants to inspire more people to study STEM courses.

Course: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

Tell us about yourself and what you've been doing since you graduated

I moved to Leeds as the first woman in my family to access university education. Navigating moving to a city and university life was uncharted territory for me and was equal parts terrifying and exciting.

However, after my first few weeks at Leeds Beckett, I found my place. The support, guidance, and encouragement I received from my course team at Leeds Beckett allowed me to thrive and complete both my undergraduate and master's degree and receive multiple awards along the way. Since graduating, I have started a PhD in collaboration with the Paxman Institute as part of a global collaboration to change the face of cancer.

What have been the highlights and challenges of your career so far?

The highlights of my career include opportunities I have had to be involved in conversations, meetings, and seminars about research led by experts in the field. The opportunity to be a part of these discussions and offer contributions is something I would have never thought possible as an undergraduate student. The conversations and meetings I've had continue to inspire me and motivate me to positively impact the scientific community.

The greatest challenge I have faced so far has been during application processes. Career progression inevitably involves rejections due to the competitive nature of academic research. My greatest challenge was stopping rejections deter me from the next opportunity and to remain persistent, determined, and confident in my abilities.

How has Leeds Beckett influenced you and your career?

The sense of community created by Leeds Beckett allowed me to reach my full potential both academically and personally. I was consistently encouraged, motivated, and inspired by every member of staff I was taught and supervised by. The support I received made me feel capable of pursuing my career aspirations and reaching my full potential, I am very proud to be a Leeds Beckett alumni. 

What did you enjoy about your undergraduate course?

I really enjoyed studying the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course, it provides unique opportunities to push the boundaries of what is known in science. I was constantly challenged and encouraged to be curious and think analytically. The course instils confidence and potential in every student to contribute and have incredibly positive impacts on science and medicine. 

What advice would you give to someone studying the course?

Studying biomedical science can feel overwhelming and it's easy to get into the mindset of 'I don't know anything'. Please don't be too hard on yourself, no one is expecting you to walk into lab sessions and lectures as an expert. You're there to learn! Although I understand how daunting it can feel, don't be afraid to ask questions (ask as many as you need and as many times as you need), you will definitely get out what you put in. Finally, believe in yourself. I wish I could go back to my first year self and tell her all about the things I'd go on to do and achieve. Take it from me, you've got this!

What's next for you? 

I have always been driven by the potential to do better in medicine, to offer better treatments and understand more than we ever have before. I'm continuing to actively research to complete my PhD in understanding the potential of cooling in reducing chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathic pain. The research aims to improve cancer care and the lives of patients during treatment and beyond. 

Alongside my academic studies, I hope to encourage and inspire people who are also from non-academic backgrounds to apply for STEM courses and be involved in science. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the potential to make a difference.