We asked our students to tell us about themselves and their studies. In this case study, MSc student Amber Minhas tells us how her industry placement with Dyneval has enhanced her specialist knowledge and given her hands-on experience that has boosted her confidence, and how bioinformatics offers tremendous opportunities to propel advancements in the field.

Why did you undertake this MSc?

I decided to undertake the Industrial Biotechnology MSc programme because I was particularly attracted to its interdisciplinary nature. The opportunity to explore and integrate knowledge from various fields such as biomanufacturing, data science and marine biotechnology greatly appealed to me. I have always been interested by the potential of biotechnology to address global challenges and this course offered an ideal platform for me to explore my interest further and gain skills highly sought after in the job market.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambitions for the future revolve around building a career in bioinformatics, where I can leverage the skills and knowledge gained from this course and previous work experience. I am really interested in this field and believe it offers tremendous opportunities for scientific advancements and improving human health. I am eager to continue expanding my bioinformatics skill set throughout my career.

What has been your favourite part of the MSc?

For me, the industrial placement has been the standout and the best aspect of the programme. It provides an invaluable opportunity to establish professional connections, gain practical insights, and demonstrate competence in a real-world setting.

I’m currently enjoying my placement at Dyneval working on an industrially relevant project and collaborating with experts in the field. This has enhanced my specialist knowledge and provided me more confidence in my skills through valuable hands-on experience.

Where/ what do you think the next innovation in IB will be?

I strongly believe that bioinformatics, a class that I thoroughly enjoyed during the course, holds significant potential for driving future innovations in industrial biotechnology. The integration of bioinformatics and data analytics has the power to unlock valuable insights from complex biological datasets and propel advancements in the field.

What do you enjoy doing away from your studies?

I love travelling! I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new cities. Getting to know different cultures and traditions broadens my horizons and gives me a fresh outlook on life. It's a way for me to break free from my usual routine, discover new perspectives, and understand the world we live a bit better.