Student Profile - Alzbeta Cardova

Alzbeta (Beth) Cardova (2014)

Department of Veterinary Medicine

Publications:

Genetic human prion disease modelled in PrP transgenic Drosophila.

Electrochemical and optical study of metallothionein interactions with prion proteins.

Bio:

2015 – present: PhD in Bioscience (BBSRC DTP), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK

2014 – 2015: MRes in Bioscience (BBSRC DTP), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Metabolic Science (MRL), University of Cambridge, UK

2012 – 2014: MSc in Animal Biotechnologies, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic

2009 – 2012: BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Masaryk University, Czech Republic

As an EU student, I was really lucky to get in to the BBSRC DTP programme - it has helped me to finance my PhD and enabled me to become part of the great scientific community here in Cambridge.

I first arrived at the University of Cambridge for a three-month summer research internship. I was really impressed by the professionality and friendliness of everyone involved, and the scientific knowledge and helpfulness of my supervisors.

I knew I would like to pursue a career in science, therefore, I applied for the PhD position in Cambridge as well as for the funding by BBSRC DTP. Fortunately BBSRC programme enabled me to continue with my studies and take advantage of everything Cambridge has to offer. The collegiate system, interdisciplinary environment and more specifically, the structure of the BBSRC programme (with two different rotation projects and a professional internship PIPS).

The rotations allowed me to work on two completely different projects, developing a range of new skills in a really short time! In the final year of my PhD, I left the lab to take part in PIPS. This was a great, eye-opening experience as I have always thought that my future lies in academia. After my PIPS placement, at Acidophil (a biotechnology start-up company), I changed my mind and decided that the commercial setting of science is something I really enjoy being part of and the skills I developed during my PhD can be useful in other ways.

I have no idea what the future holds for me, however, I am sure I would like to try combining my scientific knowledge with the biotech-business interests.