Hi everyone! I’m Audrey, a Biomedical Science student at Queen’s, who was lucky enough to take part in the International Undergraduate Research Program (IURP) 2023/2024 at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). 

What is IURP? 

IURP is a programme that UNR has established with universities in the UK (including Queen's) and has been running for years! This programme aims to foster scientific exchanges across continents among undergraduate and graduate students at the School of Medicine in UNR, and to expand their experiences on a global scale. As an undergraduate student at Queen’s who studies Biomedical Science or Human Biology, you are eligible to apply for this programme during your second year. If you are successful, you will get a hands-on experience in academic research for a year in one of the labs at UNR. 

The Statue of Liberty

The Application Process

Firstly, you need to prepare your CV and cover letter, highlighting your interest and why you are a suitable candidate. If you have never written a CV or cover letter before, don’t worry! As part of your modules, you will be taught on how to write one. Moreover, Queen’s has career support that can help you with this. Next is the interview round during which academics at Queen’s will have a quick chat with you to understand your motivation in joining the programme and assess if you are an ideal fit to represent Queen’s at UNR. Then, they will send your application to the UNR team. 

A Glimpse of the Start of My Experience 

When I first arrived in the land of liberty, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Excited because this was my first time visiting the US and nervous when I realised that I was so far away from home. Luckily, I was not alone. All my fellow IURP students kept me company and together we embarked the journey in research as trainee scientists. The first few weeks were all about settling in, understanding the work culture and getting to know my colleagues.

Academic Growth and Professional Development

One of the most significant aspects of my placement was the hands-on experience I gained. Working alongside some of the brightest minds in the field, I was involved in cutting-edge research projects related to my studies. This practical exposure was invaluable as it allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from my coursework to real projects, enhancing my understanding and skills in biomedical science.

IURP students 2023/2024 at UNR main campus

Apart from learning about research, I also learned some transferrable skills such as working in a team and being more proactive in my work. In the lab, you get to work with people from different academic stages: the undergrads, master’s students, PhDs, and post-docs. It is important to be able to communicate well within your team so that your research can keep progressing. On top of that, I realised that I should be more proactive in asking for guidance from my supervisors because if you don’t ask, they will never know that you need help. 

Exploring the US

One of the perks of doing a placement in the US was the opportunity to travel and explore. During weekends and holidays, I made sure to visit different cities and landmarks. My favourite place to visit was Lake Tahoe which is just around a 1-hour drive from Reno. There, you get to see the beautiful lake and do some water sports. 

Travelling allowed me to experience the rich cultural diversity of the US, meet new people and create unforgettable memories.

Trying paddleboarding and kayaking for the first time 

Overcoming Challenges

Of course, the journey was not without its challenges. Adapting to a new country, managing academic responsibilities, and dealing with occasional bouts of homesickness were all part of the experience. However, these challenges taught me resilience and adaptability. I learned to navigate through difficulties, seek support when needed and maintain a positive outlook.

A Year to Remember

Looking back, my one-year internship in Reno was a pivotal chapter in my academic and personal life. It enhanced my degree, provided me with invaluable professional experience, and allowed me to see the world from a different perspective. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited about the future possibilities it has opened up for me. For any student considering doing a placement abroad, I would highly recommend taking the leap. The experiences, skills and memories you gain will be worth every moment.

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Audrey Marcelyn Biomedical Science | Undergraduate Student | Indonesia Hiya! I’m Audrey, a final-year Biomedical Science student at Queen’s. I’m originally from Indonesia, and I moved here for my studies about 4 years ago. So far, I have been enjoying my stay in the UK! Outside my studies, I enjoy staying active by going to the gym and discovering new cafes and restaurants around Belfast with my friends. As this is my last year at university, I made a promise to myself to get more involved in university activities. So, see you around campus!