William
WHO ARE YOU?
Hi! You can call me Will. I’m a 4th year Biochemistry undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh, keen to help make a difference with synthetic biology.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I’ve been a competitive chess player for around 15 years, aspiring to one day get a master title. I also like playing tennis and biking, but my study schedule made it harder to find time to hit some balls and my bike recently broke down so… yeah.
WHY ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN IGEM?
I wanted to experience what it’s like to work in a team of scientists and contribute to an interdisciplinary ongoing project for the first time.
EDUCATION
BSc Honours in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry), University of Edinburgh, currently in the 4th year of my studies.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
A molecular biology lab placement, a hospital shadowing placement, and this competition.
WHAT PERSON DO YOU WANT TO BE/ASPIRE?
I want to become a physician-scientist who can conduct research in the novel therapeutics and be able to relate this to patient care.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS
Imaginative, realistic, and motivated.
WHY DO YOU LIKE BIOLOGY?
I am interested in how molecular assemblies in living organisms carry out their huge variety of functions.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY BIOLOGY?
I thought it would serve as a good foundation for interdisciplinary work in the medical industry.
HOW YOUR PROJECT/DISSERTATION INTEGRATES WITH THE OTHER TEAM
MEMBERS PROJECTS?
As an undergraduate on the overgraduate team, I don’t have an official scientific specialisation in the project but I am one of the team members responsible for the science communication aspect, e.g. posting on social media and creating educational content.
WHY IS YOUR PROJECT USEFUL?
It is important for raising awareness about synthetic biology and its advantages and disadvantages, not just for scientists but for consumers.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY?
It could offer us solutions to many pressing problems in society related to the usage and wellbeing of living organisms, including ourselves. However, its use should always account for ethics and safety, and it is important to recognise its limitations.
WHY DO YOU THINK A UNIVERSAL BIOSENSOR IS USEFUL?
It could be mass-produced and then adapted for sensing different compounds, rather than designing an entirely new device for each compound. This could save huge costs and make it easier for consumers to use.
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