This summer we partnered again with In2scienceUK, funding four student research placements in hearing research laboratories at University College London and Newcastle University.
Daniel Cairns spent his placement in Dr Michael Mather’s lab at Newcastle University, exploring research into the immunology of the nose and middle ear. We caught up with Daniel to find out how the experience shaped his interest in hearing research.
Daniel, was hearing research on your mind before this summer?
“Honestly, no! It wasn’t on my radar before this summer. But I do tend to be drawn toward research that doesn’t get its fair share of support, and hearing research is a clear example of that: it’s a well-recognised, underfunded field. I like working where I feel I can make a difference.”
Can you tell us about your experience on placement?
“My main contribution was putting my coding and data analysis skills to use, along with my background in medical writing, on manuscript review. I worked with my host, Dr Michael Mather, on two papers at very different stages: one on otitis media (middle ear infection) and one on models of inner ear organoid development.
There was no real typical day; though it was always lovely to be in the office with such a dedicated and passionate team! I would honestly say my best group research experience yet.”
What did you learn about hearing loss and hearing research that you didn’t know before?
“Honestly, I had zero background in the theory behind hearing, beyond what’s touched on at A-level. I had to get up to speed quickly, working through the literature on recurrent otitis media, which turned out to involve several competing theories, piece by piece.
On a practical level, I picked up new methods that feed straight back into my own computational skills.”
What did you enjoy most about your placement?
“Working with Michael, within the Cellular Origins of Immune Disease group at Newcastle University’s Biosciences Institute, was probably my most positive experience of working within a research group.
In previous roles I’ve mostly worked very independently: just got my head down and cracked on. But having that network around me, the day-to-day conversations, the atmosphere, was genuinely powerful. I really enjoyed the large-scale group dynamic here.”
Are you interested in continuing to work in hearing research in the future?
“I’m starting my PhD at Oxford this autumn as an interdisciplinary researcher, and I’ll have the chance to do a placement outside my usual field at some point during it. I’d really like that to be in hearing research. I’ve already told Michael I’d love to come back if that’s ever on the cards.”
The impact of In2Research
RNID has supported the In2research programme for 5 years. We believe that this scheme offers fantastic opportunities for young people who often discover a passion for STEM research and kickstart their careers.
Daniel Cairns says:
I think, more than anything, it’s the effect this [placement] has had on my PhD interviews that I keep thinking about… Getting fluent fast in somebody else’s field, bringing methods from one discipline to bear on another’s open questions, learning to contribute rather than just observe.
I don’t think I would have been able to get that moment without the hearing placement behind me – and none of that happens without In2research and RNID.”
Dr Mather says:
I myself benefitted from a summer research placement early on during my University days. Without such schemes it can be difficult to figure out how to get into research, which can be a significant barrier to a research career. I wanted to provide similar opportunities to those which I was fortunate to have.
The In2Science summer placement was excellent. For us, Daniel genuinely helped move the project forward. He was a delight to work with and everyone in the wider group enjoyed him being here. Would I host a student again? Absolutely! I hope the scheme has helped to widen interest in hearing related research.”
Dr Ralph Holme, Director of Research says:
Attracting the next generation of scientists into hearing research is vital if we want to make progress towards treatments to prevent hearing loss, restore hearing and silence tinnitus.
By working with In2Science, I’m delighted that we are creating opportunities for students, who might not otherwise be able, to gain valuable experience of working in hearing research.”
Find out more about In2scienceUK, the charity behind the In2research programme, and its work to improve diversity and inclusion in STEM. Visit the In2scienceUK website.
Help fund hearing research
Placements like Daniel’s help inspire the next generation of hearing researchers. Donate today to help fund hearing research that can improve the lives of people with hearing loss and tinnitus.