My PhD project in the field of metabolic medicine focused on investigating the novel role of alpha-melanocyte stimulatory hormone in glucose metabolism in humans. Through conducting clinical studies in combination with laboratory-based techniques, we demonstrated that this hormone has a previously undiscovered role in humans where it promotes glucose uptake into skeletal muscle thus improving glycaemic control. These findings have prompted our team to explore using this new pathway to treat diabetes, where a therapeutic improving glucose control can provide immediate benefit to the patient.
The highlights of my time as a PhD student were the secondments to collaborating labs abroad. I had the opportunity to spend several months being taught how to conduct clinical research at Imperial College London with Prof. Alex Miras, and learn additional molecular biology-based techniques at Monash University Melbourne with Prof. Michael Cowley. These secondments not only allowed me to see how science is conducted in different research environments, but also to form professional and personal connections with others in the field.
Make sure you are motivated to apply for the project and not just the PI or university. A genuine interest in the project will lead to much more success during your time as a PhD student than your skills in the lab!
The working environment cultivated by Dr. Neil Docherty and Prof. Carel le Roux. There was a huge breadth of interesting projects going on around me that I could get involved in where I could learn skills to help me in my own research. The other lab members were always available to help or give advice, and there was a real sense of collaboration across projects. My supervisors also facilitated my secondments to London and Melbourne which proved hugely beneficial to both the research project and my development as a scientist.