Where did you go and what did you do?
I went to the Diamond Light Source (DLS) in Didcot, Oxfordshire. I worked alongside crystallographers at the VMXi beam, and was supervised specifically by Dr. Halina Mikolajek. The VMXi beam at DLS specialise in in situ crystallisation, wherein X-ray crystallography data is collected from crystals at room temperature from inside the 96-well plates within which they initially grew. A benefit to collecting data in situ is that you can collect data from multiple microcrystals in time-resolved crystallography experiments.
My work whilst at the DLS was to design protocols for the growth of microcrystals, and to take forward these microcrystals for trialling data collection in film plates, as opposed to thicker, hard plastic plates which increase background scattering and reduce data quality. I successfully grew microcrystals of the desired proteins and optimised data collection within film plates.
What made you want to do that particular PIPS?
I was unsure in the second year of my PhD where I would like to do my PIPs. I attended a conference some way through the year wherein I listened to a talk by Dr. Mikolajek about the VMXi in situ data collection at the DLS. I found her work very interesting and spoke to her afterwards in the networking session about the possibility of working alongside her to develop these technologies for my PIPs placement.
What skills have you gained from your PIPS?
I have developed skills in preparing crystal trials, optimising crystal growth conditions and what influences crystal size/shape, in multiple machines that were new to me, in crystal fishing, in supervision (as I was often placed in charge of supervising an undergraduate student who was completing their industrial placement at the same time I was there for my PIPs), and in working as part of a more industrial-style team.
What has been the impact (or likely future impact) of your PIPS?
The impact of my PIPs is I have streamlined the production of microcrystals of protein standards at the DLS. I have also worked towards optimising data collection of microcrystals within film plates.
How would you sum up your PIPS experience?
For me, the PIPs experience gave me a taste of a lab-based role outside of academia. I enjoyed the challenge of adapting to a new working environment, although I found that I prefer having autonomy over my projects and work as opposed to being given instructions about where the project should go. On the whole, it was a great opportunity for me to learn more about X-ray crystallography and the physics behind the electron ring that powers the X-rays. I made good contacts whilst working there, and reflect fondly upon my time there.
What advice would you give to other PGRs about PIPS?
If you are even slightly intrigued by a career path, don’t hesitate to send the company an email and ask if they’d be willing to take a PIPs student. Generally, people are keen to take on students and will accommodate you. Don’t worry about the placement being perfect or being in an area that your future career will lead to, *not* enjoying a placement as much as you thought is also useful information for yourself too.