By Anmoyul Mohon
Hello, I am Anmoyul Mohon, and I have recently completed an integrated master’s degree in Pharmacology at King’s College London, including a professional placement year. This last summer 2024, participating in the In2research programme alongside my studies and undertaking an 8-week placement at the Babraham Institute has provided me with the opportunity to step outside my familiar academic environment, delve deeply into molecular and cellular biology, and explore where the world of research could lead me. Today, I would like to share my journey, the connections I have made along the way, and how this experience is shaping my future.
The First Step: A New Beginning
On my first day of placement, I did not know what to expect. I assumed it would be a typical laboratory environment—sterile, professional, and somewhat impersonal. However, from the moment I entered the building, I encountered an entirely different energy. The atmosphere was collaborative, almost familial. People were genuinely passionate about the work they were doing, but they also cared about one another. After meeting Susan, who guided us through the essential formalities and gave us a tour of the institute, I began to feel more at ease, not only as a researcher but as part of a vibrant community.
The Heart of My Project
During my placement, I had the privilege of working on something that fascinated me—DNA double-strand break repair during Class Switch Recombination (CSR) in B cells, with a particular focus on a protein called DDX1. The goal of the project was to investigate how DDX1 behaves when we knock out key DNA repair proteins. To achieve this, I used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to generate knockout cells, which I confirmed using ddPCR, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. This project required meticulous attention to detail, and I have developed a deep appreciation for the level of precision and patience necessary to conduct such intricate research.
Finding Joy in the Details
One particular aspect of the work that I found especially rewarding was Western blotting. Although it is a multi-step and delicate process that I initially found challenging, it has since become one of my favorite techniques. It demanded a significant amount of patience, but the feeling of accomplishment when the final blots appeared after days of preparation was incredibly gratifying. Each successful experiment felt like a small victory and reinforced my passion for the precision and focus required in research.
Lessons Beyond the Laboratory
This placement did not just teach me laboratory skills—it also opened my eyes to the importance of finding balance in life. Moving away from London highlighted the value of maintaining a social life, which ultimately improved my focus in the laboratory. In addition to navigating new routines such as adjusting to longer commutes for groceries, I also learned to manage my time more effectively. These experiences helped me realize that maintaining a well-rounded life outside of work is crucial for overall well-being and productivity.
Overcoming Challenges: The Art of Troubleshooting
The journey was not without its challenges. Western blotting, in particular, presented several obstacles. There were numerous factors that could go wrong, from the preparation of the gel to the transfer of proteins. In the beginning, it felt like I was constantly troubleshooting, trying to identify small mistakes before they turned into bigger problems. However, with persistence and determination, I eventually became more confident in the technique. Each failure was an opportunity to learn, and I gradually developed the skills to troubleshoot like a professional.
The People Behind the Scenes
I could not have achieved what I did without the support of the people around me. My day-to-day supervisor, Anna Dowd, was an invaluable source of guidance throughout my project. I also received tremendous support from the broader team in the laboratory. Researchers from various educational and cultural backgrounds shared their knowledge with me, offering fresh perspectives on our work. While my overall guidance came from Claudia Ribeiro de Almeida, the collective contributions of the entire team made my experience richer and more insightful.
Unexpected Discoveries
One of the most surprising aspects of the placement was how much the institute felt like more than just a research facility—it was a true community. There was a strong culture of collaboration, which I had not anticipated. Everyone was willing to share their ideas and offer help when needed. This sense of camaraderie not only made the work environment more enjoyable but also pushed me to think more creatively. I began to approach problems from new angles and felt more empowered to innovate.
Looking Ahead: What Is Next?
This placement has fundamentally changed the way I approach my work. I have learned to be more organized with my time, particularly in the laboratory. I now understand how to schedule my experiments more efficiently and make the most of waiting periods between tasks. More importantly, I have come to appreciate the balance between fundamental research and its practical applications.
As I look to the future, I am excited to begin my PhD in neuroimmunology at the University of Manchester this October. It will allow me to blend my background in neuroscience with the new expertise I have gained in immunology. Looking ahead, I am keeping my options open—whether it is academia, industry, or even transitioning into consultancy or market access in pharmacology, I am eager to explore the opportunities that lie ahead.
This placement has not only deepened my technical skills but has also broadened my understanding of what research can be. It has shown me how I can contribute to science in the future, and I am looking forward to seeing where the next steps of my journey will take me.