This week myself and one other student were invited by the board from 'Posters in Parliament' to represent the University of Leeds. I presented my poster and got the opportunity to talk to MPs, academics and other students about my Laidlaw research project 'Bees, Pesticides and Insect Decline: defining the sublethal effects of Sulfoxaflor on honeybees.'. The event was an amazing opportunity to learn about a range of novel undergraduate research projects, whilst also raising awareness about the importance of investments into approval testing (to avoid scenarios where chronic use of pesticides are not tested).
We also got the chance to tour the House of Lords and attend the workshop: 'Getting Your Voice Heard in Parliament'. Here, I developed a deeper understanding of the inner-workings of the Government and how important it is that researchers communicate their findings, clearly, to those in power.
I am so grateful for the opportunity, I learnt so much, thought further about the greater meaning of my research, and cannot wait to continue conversations with other students at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research in April! Also an extra special thank you to @Rebecca Shaw for organising all of the logistics of the trip and supporting us throughout.
As always, if you have any questions about my research, or are just up for a chat, feel free to comment/message!
Hi, I'm Elena and I am a part of Laidlaw's 2023-24 cohort at the University of Leeds.
I am currently studying Biotechnology with Enterprise which focusses on applying aspects of molecular and cellular biology to solve current problems. This can be in the form of using genetic modification to improve food security, discovering useful antibiotic properties of bacteria or the creation of vaccines via investigation of viruses. Along side this I also have begun learning about various areas of business in my enterprise modules.
I have chosen to work on a pre-defined research project: 'Bees, Pesticides and Insect declines: defining the sublethal effects of pesticides on honeybees'. I am excited for this project as I will be able to expand my biological knowledge into the field of entomology and continue to develop my lab-skills independently as I will be observing effects of sulfoxaflor and biological chemicals on young honey bees whilst also analysing their DNA to investigate any genetic mutations.
I enjoy spending time walking and running (especially around my home in the Peak District), making me motivated to make a difference in conserving and rebuilding our world's natural environments. Additionally outside of my studies I love to dance (ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre...), sing, attend classes with Uni's yoga society, bake and explore in & around leeds (including finding good places to eat) with my friends.
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