Characterising genetic regulators of auditory and proprioceptive neuron differentiation in the Drosophila ear

Can you introduce yourself and your summer research project?

My name is Bistra Dimovska and I am currently starting my third year as a Biomedical Sciences student. My summer research project focused on characterising genetic regulators of the auditory and proprioceptive neuron differentiation in the Drosophila ear. I worked on gene knockdowns of Prospero which is a hearing gene in the Drosophila ear as well as performed immunofluorescent staining to visualise the genes and characterise them. 

How did you receive the funding for your research project?

I got the funding through my supervisor Prof. Andrew Jarman who suggested Medical Research Scotland as an organisation that funds research in the medical field. I applied for it and got the funding. 

What was the most rewarding part of your summer research?

Definitely all the skills and knowledge I gained from it. I was able to apply concepts I have only ever learned academically about. With this research I gained hands-on experience and also made new connections with various researchers and master students in the laboratory which was also very rewarding. 

Why should students get involved in a summer research project?

Because it is an amazing experience, they are taught great skills which will be very helpful and will be a jump-start for their future career and further internships. They apply concepts and see how it is to work in a lab in a real-life setting and that not all results and procedures are perfect. It challenges them to see what it means to work in the field of research, and they can conclude if that is what they would/would not want to pursue in the future. 

How has this research experience influenced your future study and career paths?

It has solidified my understanding of what it means to do research lab work and what that job entails. It allowed me to confirm with myself that this field is the field I would like to pursue, and I would definitely want to go down this path of studies. It also made me sure that I would want to pursue a PhD in the future. 

What advice would you give future students applying for summer research scholarships?

Do not be scared to email professors, most of them will answer and hopefully have space for you in the lab, if not there is always next year, and it is nothing scary. Your supervisors will also teach you everything in the lab and do not be afraid to ask questions. 

View Bistra Dimovska's poster for more information: