After deciding to pursue my interest in biology, I read ‘The secret lives of cells How We Live and Why We Die’ by Lewis Wolpert which piqued my interest in cellular biology, specifically in how stem cells replicate. I was fascinated by the concept of stem cells mitosis being asymmetrical and Wolpert’s ability to simplify this process allowed me to challenge my previous learning. To further explore this interest I watched a TED talk on the potential of regenerative medicine and I found it inspiring how practical applications of stem cells have led to life changing treatments such as treating a painful diabetic ulcer on a patient’s foot.
I was then compelled to do a research project on stem cells and artificial organs., during which I read journals on induced pluripotent stem cells from publishers such as Nature, this topic was of great interest to me as I unaware that it was possible to reverse engineer a specialised cell to a stem cell with my knowledge prior to the project. The process of using transcription factors that bind to DNA in order to reverse engineer a cell was an exciting new concept to learn about.
In addition to this I researched artificial organs and was pleasantly surprised at how advanced the beta organs had already become, for example there were already two major methods being developed. The first being the manufacturing of an entire artificial organ through 3D printing and the use of degradable biomaterials as scaffolding for regeneration.
Besides this, I also attended a lecture on the Human Genome Project which further nurtured my interest as the advancement of being able to read the human genome sequence in a matter of days when 13 years was previously required in order to sequence the human genome is something  I found staggering/ This greatly affected my view on researchers as I was exposed to the direct effects of their research.  This prompted me to read ‘Your Inner Fish’ by Neil Shubin. In the chapter ‘Handy Genes’ Shubin covers the very origins of epigenetics and how gene expression allows for the development of our body. This was especially useful as Shubin also does an outstanding job of relating evolution and genetics , which helped develop my knowledge on epigenetics beyond what was taught in AS level learning..
After my AS-levels I participated in a university preparation programme for biochemistry, where I conducted a series of experiments which allowed me to gain an insight into the laboratory work that researchers conduct on a daily basis in the field, this also allowed me to gain a greater appreciation for those who tirelessly complete these experiments that lead to important discoveries that aid millions of people. In addition to this, I also read the book ‘Why Chemical Reactions Happen’ by James Keeler from which I really enjoyed the subchapter ‘Entropy and Heat’  as I found it refreshing, due to disorder not being introduced in the AS-level specification. Furthermore, I took part in an Internally Assessed Programme for maths, which allowed me to develop my problem-solving skills to a new level as I solved problems from the MAT and STEP papers.
I was the team captain for my local football club for 3 years running which has improved my interpersonal skills as it was my duty to work alongside as well as effectively communicate with the players and deal with issues between players that I was unable to bring up with the coach. I enlisted in the Combined Cadet Force and completed the D of E bronze award which has enhanced my skills at role management and leadership ,which I look forward to applying within a future in biochemistry.