Jess Kelly
Jess was inspired to pursue a PhD after taking a course in her postgraduate diploma that touched upon the importance of 3D modelling in the setting of Biomedical Science.
"I am currently studying for my PhD in Biomedical Sciences. I came up through the Biomedical programme at the University of Auckland, specifically wanting to head down the research pathway, instead of the medical pathway like a lot of people do. Studying here was convenient for me, but it also had what I thought was the strongest Biomedical Sciences programme out there, with a lot of great resources in that space.
"The aim of my research is to create new, three-dimensional models, specifically focused on the brain, by using human cells extracted from donors with certain diseases, which aim to improve disease modelling, an area where a lot of drug development/therapeutics fall over. When I was doing my postgraduate diploma, I took a course that my (now) supervisor taught. There was one lecture that was all about 3D models, so I sent an email asking if there was any chance they may have space in their lab. Thankfully they did, and it worked out really well for me.
"When I was considering jumping into the PhD, that three to four year timeline seemed like such a big chunk of time, but it actually just flies by so fast. So my advice would be to not be concerned too much about that.
"Something that I’ve found to be most valuable throughout my experience with postgrad is the connections with other people in the programme. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to collaborate both professionally with other colleagues but also personally, meeting lots of new people with similar ideologies to me.
I like being behind the scenes, and so it’s cool that I can
still feel like I’m really contributing to the future of healthcare even though
I’m a bit further back in the process.
"Getting involved with other stuff outside of my direct studies, like the FMHS Postgrad Students Association, means that I’ve got a network of colleagues and friends. Diving into those events and going to all these social events has made it really easy to meet new people and form those connections.
"I’m also part of the executive for the Auckland Uni Disabled Student’s Association, which is really cool because it means that I can meet other disabled students at the University, with lots of shared struggles. It feels really validating to meet other people with shared identities, because a lot of the time it can be really hard trying to navigate higher education as a disabled person, but at least we all understand each other and can find some humour and support in it all."