Why did you choose Bristol?

“I'm from Exeter originally and didn't want to move too far away, and I also wanted to attend a university in a dynamic, vibrant city which had some recognised academic status.”

How would you sum up your experience?

“I enjoyed being a student at Bristol. The best things were the lecturers who always seemed to be experts in their field and it was their passion for their subjects which encouraged me to seek a career in microbiology. The course itself was challenging, a huge amount of study and personal education is required to do the best.”

How did your degree influence what you did next?

“I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do after completing my degree. Many of my peers were focussed on careers in medicine, using the degree as a launch-pad to a graduate medical career. I was particularly taken with microbiology, and directly contacted a lecturer to ask about work experience post-graduation. Having never worked in a clinical laboratory or a scientific field before I felt this was essential if I was opting for a career in science. I worked for three months on a research project without payment, before being offered a job as a laboratory assistant. Over the next ten years I worked my way up.”

What advice would you offer to any students contemplating a place at Bristol?

“Be interested in science and willing to think outside of the standard remit of medicine. Be open to experiments, getting things wrong and learning. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Finally, Bristol is a fantastic place to live, work and study.”