Aimee Work - BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Having always been fascinated by the advancement of scientific findings and techniques, particularly in cancer research, Aimee has fulfilled one of her childhood ambitions since leaving Hazlehead Academy in her hometown of Aberdeen.
“The immense support and encouragement I received from my secondary school, family and close friends is what motivated me to apply to university in the hope of challenging myself not only in the academic skills and knowledge but also in developing confidence as a student and future scientist.”
Aimee was initially drawn to the Biomedical Science course because of its wide range of subject areas and the various biomedical disciplines it covers. Upon completing her degree, she credits the University for the professional development opportunities that are woven into the curriculum.
“The incorporation of practical learning and opportunities for placements embedded within the applied route made me appreciate the importance RGU emphasises in practical learning and development of working skills throughout our degrees, and not solely on the theoretical aspects.
“I now have a clear plan for my career and further educational ambitions, thanks to this support. The emphasis on professional development across the department is something I have been very impressed with as a student, something I hadn’t considered when applying.”
While Aimee recognises the hard work, dedication and hurdles she faced throughout her studies, the experiences she has gained are something she will take forward beyond graduation.
“Hard work does pay off, and it’s those challenges, setbacks and work ethic that shape us into the graduates we are now. University is not just an academic tool, it provides you with the knowledge and skills for life, friendships, careers and beyond.”
For Aimee, the support she has received from RGU staff and support services has played a significant role in her time as a student.
“A major highlight of my time at RGU was being able to immerse myself in research culture, where I completed a summer Medical Research Scotland (MRS) lab research project, supported by my lecturer and supervisor, Dr Janine Coombes. I was heavily involved in developing models to understand how immune cells and gut cells communicate, thereby improving our understanding of the contributions to chronic inflammation seen in inflammatory bowel disease.
“This was an invaluable experience for me, it allowed me to expand upon the theoretical knowledge I have gained throughout my degree and apply this in a practical setting, by developing my critical thinking skills, ability to question and interpret results and adapt investigations accordingly.
“Here, I felt was the turning point for me in my degree, where I developed in confidence and found a true passion for lab research. This led me to have more belief in myself, what I could achieve with hard work and where I began to consider medicine as a potential career aspiration - an opportunity I am most grateful for.
“I am also very grateful for the fantastic facilities RGU SPORT provide students, where I have used the gym and exercise classes throughout my degree as a way of supporting not only my running but my mental wellbeing, and having a space to de-stress from my studies and time for myself.”
This summer, Aimee will be celebrating not only her outstanding achievements of the last four years but also the exciting next step in her journey toward a career in medicine.
"Following graduation, I am delighted to have been accepted into medical school. I aspire to pursue a specialist career in Histopathology and Clinical Academic Medicine, with the goal of completing a PhD in the field of Cancer Pathology.
“I would like to play an active role in the development of therapeutics and diagnostic tools, whilst applying this research and knowledge gained in a clinical setting and witnessing the positive impact research-driven work has on patient outcomes.”