Natalja Nassonova

Natalja Nassonova is in her final year of a Natural Sciences BSc degree at the University of Leeds, studying Biochemistry and Nutrition. 

Reflecting on her choice of degree, Natalja said: “This joint honours programme allowed me to combine Biochemistry and Nutrition, offering a unique interdisciplinary approach to my studies, and the opportunity to tailor my degree to my interests and career goals.”  

Why Leeds?

Natalja chose the University of Leeds because it is one of the leading providers of Natural Sciences courses in the UK. She said: “The degree gave me the freedom to choose most of my modules and explore various scientific interests while developing a specialty aligned with my future career goals.” 

Additionally, the university's diverse international community and vibrant campus life, including events like Global Café and numerous opportunities through the Leeds University Union, offered Natalja a fantastic student experience beyond her studies. 

She added: “My involvement in various roles, such as being a member of the International Student Advisory Board and a trustee on the LUU Board of Trustees, significantly enhanced my experience at Leeds. I was delighted and honored to receive the Student of the Year 2024 award from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.” 

The degree gave me the freedom to choose most of my modules and explore various scientific interests while developing a specialty aligned with my future career goals.

Developing skills in bioinformatics and data science

Natalja particularly enjoyed gaining skills in bioinformatics and data science through her course and discovery modules. She said: “These subjects allowed me to develop a unique skill set that combined biochemistry with programming, machine learning, statistics, and analytics.”

“For instance, for one of my coursework projects, I designed, developed and implemented a Python pipeline for characterising protein structures. In the machine learning module, I learned to use methods like linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, neural networks, and random forests.” 

“Additionally, I took a business school module on effective data visualisation and analysis, covering topics like the psychology of data visualisations, storytelling with data, and presenting data in business reports using Microsoft Excel and Power BI. I also enjoyed taking Beginners Mandarin as a discovery module in my first year, which was an exciting experience.”

These subjects allowed me to develop a unique skill set that combined biochemistry with programming, machine learning, statistics, and analytics.

Year in Industry at Roche Pharmaceuticals

Natalja enhanced her employability by doing an industrial placement. She said: “I completed a year in industry as a data scientist at Roche Pharmaceuticals, working with data across preclinical research, early development, and product development. This experience enabled me to expand my programming and data analysis skills.” 

“It also provided the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from around the world and understand the workings of a leading global pharmaceutical organisation.”

I completed a year in industry as a data scientist at Roche Pharmaceuticals, working with data across preclinical research, early development, and product development.

Becoming a Laidlaw Scholar

Natalja successfully gained a place on the prestigious Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme. She said: “As a Laidlaw Scholar, my first summer project involved investigating heart muscle organisation in dilated cardiomyopathy at the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology.” 

“I used immunohistochemistry and microscopy to analyse myocardial samples, identifying structural differences in cells affected by dilated cardiomyopathy. This project provided me with valuable experience in working with a research team and using different research techniques.”

“My second summer project with Laidlaw took me to Mexico City, where I worked on sustainability and inclusivity projects with the make_sense consulting agency. Being a Laidlaw Scholar was a transformative experience that accelerated my personal and professional development and equipped me with research, leadership, and international communication skills.” 

As a Laidlaw Scholar, my first summer project involved investigating heart muscle organisation in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Developing research and laboratory skills

Natalja undertook several research projects throughout her degree. In her second year, Natalja conducted a project for a Biochemistry module, researching how varying cell densities and Epidermal Growth Factor levels affect cell growth and signaling pathways using the FUCCI system. This project improved her research and laboratory skills.

For her final year dissertation, Natalja investigated the interaction between the endothelial cation channel Piezo1 and the gut microbiome in mice using various bioinformatics tools. She said: “This project was conducted in the School of Medicine and the School of Food Science and Nutrition. This project advanced my skills in microbiome research and data analysis, statistics, R programming, critical thinking, as well as time and project management.”

This project advanced my skills in microbiome research and data analysis, statistics, R programming, critical thinking, as well as time and project management.

Specialist laboratory and programming facilities

Natalja had access to a wide range of specialist facilities. She said: “I really enjoyed the modern Willow Terrace labs for Biochemistry practicals and the new screens in the Brotherton Library’s computer cluster, which were useful for programming work and dissertation writing.” 

Additionally, Natalja liked working in the recently opened Bragg building, which offers contemporary study spaces and a cosy cafe, enhancing the overall learning environment.

Joining student societies

Natalja joined various societies at Leeds, including Leeds Entrepreneurs, The Ballet Society, Laidlaw Scholars Society, Russian and Slavonic Society, and the Natural Sciences Society. 

Reflecting on her experience, Natalja said: “Joining these societies allowed me to meet new people, build lasting friendships, expand my skill set, and enrich my academic and social life at Leeds. The Leeds University Union was always filled with activities, making it a great place for students.”

Attending the Society for Natural Sciences Annual Student Conference

Natalja was invited to present her research at the Society for Natural Sciences Annual Student Conference. She said: “Attending the Conference was a fantastic opportunity to network and learn about exciting research from peers.” 

“Highlights included insightful presentations like Professor Ben Garrod's talk on primate capabilities, which broadened my perspective on human and animal intelligence. I also enjoyed student presentations on topics such as combating antibiotic resistance and simulating protein merging using parallel algorithms.” 

“I also had the chance to attend the British Conference of Undergraduate Research, where I learned about the wider scope of undergraduate research in the UK and presented my project to peers from various academic backgrounds.” 

“Visiting different campuses for the conferences, such as the University of East Anglia and the London School of Economics, made the experience even more enriching.”

Developing a career in data science

Natalja has worked part-time alongside her degree to develop her skills, She said: “I undertook part-time roles at the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence, where I supported academic staff in conducting pedagogical research, and at the SWJTU-Leeds Joint School, where I assisted in preparing documents for the accreditation process by UK accrediting bodies. I also worked as a campus ambassador.” 

“Working part-time at the University of Leeds was an amazing experience, with friendly colleagues, supportive line managers, and flexible working hours that enabled me to combine work with my studies. I acquired essential skills such as time management, self-organisation, goal setting, communication, and job-specific skills like working with databases and conducting interviews.”

“I aspire to pursue a career in data science, particularly in bioinformatics or computational biology within the pharmaceutical industry. However, I am also open to opportunities in tech companies and other industries.” 

“The University of Leeds provided extensive support, from career guidance and interview preparation to skill development through discovery modules. This support has been instrumental in equipping me with the skills and confidence needed to pursue my career goals.”

The University of Leeds provided extensive support, from career guidance and interview preparation to skill development through discovery modules.

Find out more about studying Natural Sciences at Leeds.