Biomedical Sciences Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement of a successful Oxbridge Biomedical Sciences Applicant.
In 2017, I found out my friend had Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Intrigued, I carried out an internet search and was surprised to learn that FA is caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion in a part of the genome that does not even encode amino acids. This prompted me to read ‘Junk DNA’ by Nessa Carey, a book which showed me that the noncoding parts of our genome have vital biological functions. Mutations in these regions can trigger epigenetic and cellular alterations resulting in physiological changes at the level of the whole organism (in the case of FA, epigenetic silencing of the frataxin gene ultimately leads to neurodegeneration). This movement from the molecular to the organismal is part of the reason why I wish to study the biomedical sciences rather than a single branch of biology. A degree incorporating genetics, biochemistry, and systems physiology would enable me to better understand the mechanistic steps involved in the development of complex diseases like FA, so that I might join the search for therapeutic targets.
Reading up on cellular “trash” disposal for the Newnham College Biological Sciences Essay Competition has further motivated me to study the biomedical sciences. I was intrigued by the hypothesis that dysregulation of protein degradation by proteasomes and lysosomes might contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as this could offer hope for new treatments. Researchers will, however, need to identify compounds capable of activating both proteolytic pathways without causing off-target effects – no easy feat given the intricacy of the regulatory mechanisms involved. I therefore decided to explore simpler treatment options for AD in my Extended Essay by investigating the effects of acute exercise on short- term memory. I was able to hone my research skills in the process, opting for a counter- balanced, within-subjects design and a paired t-test to reduce confounding. I also approached my work and the literature from a more critical viewpoint, identifying sources of error and methodological differences to explain the discrepancies between my findings and those of other researchers.
Work experience at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has further fuelled my interest in biomedicine. Learning about the mechanism of action of PARP inhibitors in the treatment of BRCA-mutant cancers showed me that genetic principles (here, synthetic lethality) can be used to develop targeted therapies yielding better clinical outcomes. Attending a seminar by Prof Alan Ashworth at ICR also led me to read a series of articles, published in Nature Medicine, on CAR T-cell therapy. It was exciting to realise that the concepts underpinning this cancer treatment were extensions of the science I had covered at school when studying genetic engineering and immunology. Equally exciting was the idea that gut microbiota composition might act as a predictive biomarker of response to immunotherapy. This showed me that biomedical research, with its interdisciplinary focus, can involve discovering unexpected interactions between different cells and organ systems, thereby opening up new avenues for the personalized treatment of diseases. I find the prospect of studying within such a dynamic scientific field highly appealing.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy acting. Auditioning three times for the National Youth Theatre before becoming a member has made me more resilient and open to criticism – skills I am likely to later rely on when refining experiments that have yielded inconclusive results. Ensemble theatre has also taught me teamwork and communication skills, which are key to solving complex, interdisciplinary research problems.
I will now spend the first 2 months of my Gap Year at the ICR, learning the basic laboratory techniques used in cell culture and protein analysis, and engaging with leading experts in the field. This will prepare me for the research-intensive learning environment provided by a Biomedical Sciences degree course.