Presenting MSc research at ELMI2024

Posted on: 13 August 2024 by Samhitha Shivananda in August 2024 posts

Samhitha Shivananda is a student on the MSc Cancer Biology and Therapy programme in the School of Biosciences studying. Here she tells us about presenting her research at the ELMI 2024 conference.

As a master’s student immersed in the intricacies of research, the prospect of sharing my work on a global stage was both exhilarating and daunting.

ELMI 2024 was a four-day conference, which brought together around 650 researchers from 35 countries and offered an unparalleled platform for scientific connect. I was delighted to not only be selected to present my research as a poster but also be invited to give a flash talk. I still can't quite believe it happened. It felt as if someone had handed me a golden ticket to the world of scientific research!

My research

Supervised by Dr Lorna Young, my master’s research investigated how the internal structure of pancreatic cancer cells, the cytoskeleton, behaves at the nanoscale level. By combining advanced Atomic Force Microscopic data with the super-resolution Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopic details, we aim to develop a pipeline and discover how the cytoskeleton's properties contribute to cancer growth and progression. This knowledge could be a game-changer in understanding and developing targeted treatments for many other aggressive diseases as well.

Presenting my research at ELMI 2024

ELMI 2024 represented an extraordinary milestone in my academic journey. The opportunity to engage with a diverse audience, from seasoned academics to industry professionals, as well as the workshops, exhibitions and seminars provided invaluable insights into the modern world of research.

I was thrilled to present my research to a roomful of experts, and it was tremendously satisfying seeing my poster surrounded by eager attendees. I’m also grateful for the invaluable conversations I had with fellow scientists.

The flash talk? Let’s just say my heart was pounding like a drum. Delivering a flash talk to a large, distinguished audience was undoubtedly a nerve-wracking yet exciting experience for me. However, my meticulous preparation and confidence allowed me to articulate my research concisely and with clarity. Seeing the audience’s interest grow as I spoke was incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to spark curiosity and foster discussion among such a brilliant assembly was highly satisfying.

Reflecting on my experiences

I am deeply grateful to Dr Lorna Young, whose unwavering support and guidance were instrumental in my success. Her mentorship has been invaluable throughout my academic journey.

Crafting a compelling poster had been a learning experience. The challenge of condensing complex research into a visually engaging format was met with the invaluable support of Dr Thomas Waring and Dr Marie Held, whose expertise in image acquisition and processing elevated my poster's impact. Those pictures were the star of the show!  

ELMI 2024 was more than just a conference; it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth. The event showcased the breadth and depth of research, fostering collaboration and inspiring innovative approaches of the current day research. I am eager to apply the knowledge and connections gained from this experience to future endeavours.

Feedback from Dr Lorna Young

I'm incredibly proud and happy for Samhitha and the experience she had. It was a fantastic opportunity for her to present her work, receive valuable feedback, and engage with scientists from around the world. An important part of this story is that we initially did not have the funding for Samhitha to attend the conference. However, there was an opportunity for students to volunteer at ELMI 2024. By helping with event logistics and signposting guests during the four-day conference, Samhitha was able to attend and present her work. So, if you're ever in doubt about funding costs for conferences, be sure to enquire about volunteer options!