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Freddie Marlowe was awarded a Difference Undergraduate Scholarship to study Biomedicine at UEA. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Freddie has been able to fully dedicate himself to his studies and personal development.
This summer, Freddie took a significant step toward his career goals with a summer placement at a UEA lab focused on the study of cancer genetics, including prostate cancer research - an area that is also a key focus of UEA's fundraising efforts. Freddie shares his experiences so far at UEA, from how the scholarship has helped open doors to his summer work in a cancer genetics lab.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and why you chose your course?
I’ve just finished my first year of Biomedicine, where I’m particularly interested in cancer, genetics, stem cells, and bioinformatics. I first became interested in Biomedicine during an open day at UEA, where I had the opportunity to look at fluorescent stem cells under a microscope. I learned about using stem cells to grow healthy patient tissue and ‘mini tumours’ in the lab to help identify a personalised treatment plan for the patient. In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking, and taking my dogs to one of the many beautiful Norfolk beaches.
How has getting your scholarship helped you with your studies at UEA?
My scholarship has transformed my experience at UEA. It has significantly eased my financial pressures, allowing me to focus on my studies instead of working to cover living costs. I attribute having achieved a first-class grade in all my modules this year to the scholarship, as it has enabled me to dedicate the necessary time to study. The scholarship has also allowed me to participate in university societies and programmes like the UEA Award, which has equipped me with essential employability skills for the future.
"My scholarship has transformed my experience at UEA. It has significantly eased my financial pressures, allowing me to focus on my studies instead of working to cover living costs. I attribute having achieved a first-class grade in all my modules this year to the scholarship, as it has enabled me to dedicate the necessary time to study."
What would you like to say to the donors who donated your scholarship?
I would like to say an enormous thank you. I cannot even begin to explain the difference the scholarship has made, not just financially, but also in giving me the confidence to believe in myself and take every opportunity I can. Your support has given me the motivation to remain dedicated to my studies, and the confidence to be pursue projects I would otherwise have been able to.
How has your experience at UEA been so far? Can you share a memorable or enjoyable moment?
My experience at UEA so far has been nothing but brilliant. I’m learning every day about incredibly fascinating topics, and the academic support in place has been invaluable in helping me get back on track when I’ve come across topics I haven’t understood fully. The definite highlight for me so far would be UEA’s 60th anniversary evening, where I was honoured to be invited to meet the guest lecturer, Sir Paul Nurse, who was incredibly inspiring. It was also an absolute delight to be asked to speak at the Scholar’s Reception in May. I enjoyed catching up with fellow scholars I had met in November, and to be able to celebrate our achievement.
Can you tell us about your summer job in the biology lab at UEA?
My summer in the cancer genetics lab at UEA has been fantastic. I’ve been learning bioinformatics to identify subtypes of prostate cancer, and from day one, I’ve felt welcomed as part of the team. My coding skills have improved so much already, and I’m learning so much every day. It has been great to keep up with these skills over the summer break, and I’m particularly enjoying it, as the experience involves my major interests.
What are your career goals after you finish your studies at UEA?
I would like to go on to further study, with the goal of a career in research. I’m hoping to take a placement year to figure out whether I’d like to go into academia or industry. I hope to be able to continue following my interests in genetics, particularly in cancer, and I am also excited about the prospects of stem cell research.
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Inside the Lab: Where a Scholarship can Take You
Thanks to the generosity of donors, Freddie’s scholarship is more than just financial support – it’s a stepping stone to making a real impact in medical science. His summer spent working in the cancer genetics lab at UEA gave him hands-on experience, allowing him to collaborate with leading scientists. To find out more, we spoke with Professor Daniel Brewer and Dr Sergio Llaneza-Lago, Freddie’s point of contact in the lab.
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How does having students like Freddie in the lab benefit both their learning and the work your team is doing in cancer research?
Having students like Freddie in the lab offers them a practical, hands-on experience in cancer research that cannot be replicated in lectures. They gain insights into the culture of research, the daily operations of academic research and develop essential transferable skills. From our perspective, students provide fresh perspectives and can accelerate ongoing projects with their contributions. Additionally, they provide valuable opportunities for our PhD students and early-career researchers to develop mentoring and teaching skills.
Why do you think it’s important to offer students hands-on research opportunities in labs like yours, especially in fields like prostate cancer research?
Hands-on research opportunities allow students to engage directly with the exciting work happening at UEA and help them identify which areas of science they are passionate about. The experience is a strength when applying for future PhD studentships. We hope they will gain a passion for the work we do. It also provides them with a realistic understanding of what a career in research entails, helping them shape their career goals. In fields like prostate cancer research, these opportunities are even more valuable, as students can see the real-world impact of their work on patients, which can inspire them to pursue careers in research areas with high impact for society.
Did you know that students have the opportunity to collaborate with businesses on research projects as a component of their degree program? If your organization is interested in establishing such an opportunity, please write to us at alumni@uea.ac.uk