Student success at the Society for Natural Sciences conference

Two Natural Sciences students, Daniel West and Rebecca Wurr, presented their research at the Society for Natural Sciences student conference in London on Tuesday 4th April.

Hosted by University College London (UCL) this year, the annual conference is an opportunity for student members studying interdisciplinary programmes to share their research, learn from other scientists and build a network of contacts.

The Society of Natural Science’s mission is to raise awareness of the value and importance of taking an interdisciplinary approach to scientific and societal problems. Overall, seven University of Leeds students attended the conference.

Daniel West, a Natural Sciences MNatSci, BSc (Physics and Maths) student, won a prize for his talk: Fine-Tuning Protein-Hydrogel Properties for In-Vivo and Medical Applications: A Study on the Impact of DTT and R eaction Rate on BSA Protein-Hydrogel Mechanics and Structure.

Reflecting on his experience, Daniel said: “It was the first time I have attended and given a presentation at a conference and so it was a new experience for me. It was fascinating to hear about the range of subjects and disciplines studied throughout natural sciences and try and draw parallels between them.”

“I presented a summary of the research I have conducted as part of my Integrated Masters course. My research has focused on a material called a protein hydrogel, I have been using techniques to alter and characterise the bulk mechanical properties of the hydrogels and in doing so see how those properties compare to the properties of biological tissues, like skin.”

My research has focused on a material called a protein hydrogel, I have been using techniques to alter and characterise the bulk mechanical properties of the hydrogels and in doing so see how those properties compare to the properties of biological tissues, like skin.

“Protein hydrogels have many potential applications in medicine, being able to create hydrogels that mimic biological tissues could potentially improve their medical applications.”

“It means a lot winning the prize, I have really enjoyed the research I have completed this year and getting recognition for it feels great. I also have to give a similar presentation as part of my Masters course in the coming weeks, the prize has given me confidence for that presentation as well.”

It means a lot winning the prize, I have really enjoyed the research I have completed this year and getting recognition for it feels great.

Rebecca Wurr, Natural Sciences MNatSci, BSc (Physics and Chemistry) student, presented a poster on: Investigating hierarchical structural changes in BSA hydrogels from varying gelation conditions.

Rebecca said: “I really enjoyed the conference and appreciated the chance to attend and present my research. Since Natural Sciences is a relatively small degree programme across Leeds and the UK at large, it was wonderful to meet other students and discuss our experiences and interests.” 

“I loved hearing about the variety of research from fellow students in their presentations and posters, as well as that of more senior researchers. I particularly enjoyed UCL’S Prof. Julienne Stroeve’s brilliant talk about the importance of Arctic Sea ice.”

I really enjoyed the conference and appreciated the chance to attend and present my research.

“My Master’s project looks at protein hydrogels (networks of crosslinked proteins in water) and at how varying their gelation conditions affects their structure across length scales. It makes use of techniques from Physics (neutron scattering), Biology (Circular Dichroism) and Biochemistry (acid hydrolysis, HPLC) to try and paint a full picture of structural changes, from the protein to the network scale.”

“Presenting my research poster in such a friendly, supportive environment was a great opportunity not only to practice communicating and explaining my research but also to reflect on my work and consider how best to frame it in my dissertation.”

“I received very positive and thoughtful feedback from students and staff from a range of specialties within Natural Sciences, which will be incredibly valuable for my final assessments as well as my postgraduate research moving forward.”

Presenting my research poster in such a friendly, supportive environment was a great opportunity not only to practice communicating and explaining my research but also to reflect on my work and consider how best to frame it in my dissertation.

Riya Patel, a second year Natural Sciences student, added: “As President of the Natural Sciences Society here at the University of Leeds, I was fortunate to be able to act as our university’s student representative.” 

“As I am only in my second year, I didn’t have the opportunity to present however it was a real privilege to meet fellow Natural Scientists at other universities and share our passion for interdisciplinarity.”

“Every student presentation emphasised that by bringing together multiple scientific disciplines, it is the best way to solve the world’s biggest challenges. And us as Natural Scientists are in the best possible position to do this.”

It was a real privilege to meet fellow Natural Scientists at other universities and share our passion for interdisciplinarity.

Find out more about studying Natural Sciences MNatSci, BSc at the University of Leeds.