“My placement helped confirm I want a career in research”

A University of Chichester student has shared how a placement with the Epilepsy Research Institute helped her decide what direction her future career will take. Rose Shorey, a third year studying BSc (Hons) Developmental and Education Psychology, recently spent a month with the research organisation including time at their London office.

Rose said: “I have an interest in epilepsy as a family friend has the condition and it took them years to figure out how to manage it. It even affected their education. As part of my degree I took a module in biopsychology which included looking at epilepsy, so when the time came to choose where to do my placement, the Epilepsy Research Institute was a good fit.”

The Epilepsy Research Institute’s mission is to radically advance research for the one in 100 people living with epilepsy.

They aim to transform research into all forms of epilepsy and associated conditions. By increasing understanding and accelerating innovations, they are working towards their vision of a life free from epilepsy.

As part of her placement, Rose worked in the Research team helping build their researcher directory, creating researcher profiles and speaking with researchers to find out more about their work. Rose added: “One project I found particularly rewarding was scoping pre-clinical databases. It was interesting finding what resources are already available and where the gaps are.

“This project helped the Research team and Neurodevelopmental Theme Leads to think about what a preclinical database could look like and how it could function. I have a background in handling databases of large information and an interest in pre-clinical trials, so it was perfect for me. It developed my understanding of preclinical trials, all the different models used and how they contribute to epilepsy research.”

The placement helped Rose see how what she has learnt during her degree at Chichester translates into practice. She said: “Before my placement I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into clinical psychology or research, but my time with the Epilepsy Research Institute has definitely made me sure my future is in research. The placement has been incredibly insightful, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity the Institute has given me. I will be taking all I have learnt into my academic and professional career!”

Rose is set to graduate this summer and is hoping to do a Masters in Paediatric Neuropsychology. To find out more about Psychology courses at the University of Chichester, visit chi.ac.uk/psychology-and-counselling