Anmoyul’s experience: Research Access Programme 2024

About me

My name is Anmoyul Mohon, and I recently completed an integrated master’s degree in pharmacology from King's College London, including a professional placement year. I applied for the Research Access Programme with In2Research at the Babraham Institute to explore new research environments beyond London, engage in cutting-edge lab work, and deepen my expertise in molecular and cellular biology. I aim to develop fundamental research skills that will open new possibilities beyond translational science and pharmacology, potentially even outside research.

What was it like to arrive on day one? What did you expect?

The day itself was smooth; we met Susan, who gave us a tour of the Institute and helped with paperwork before we settled into our accommodation. I wasn’t expecting much beyond a standard research environment, but I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of friendship and support.

What was the aim of your placement project?

My project focused on investigating the role of DDX1 in DNA double-strand break repair during class switch recombination in B cells. Specifically, I was studying how knocking out DNA repair proteins affects DDX1’s function. I used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate knockout cells and confirmed the knockouts through ddPCR, flow cytometry, and Western blots.

What did you enjoy the most?

I really enjoyed working with Western blotting. Although I initially found it challenging, I appreciated the precision and patience required for such a multi-step process. It was rewarding to see the results after 2-3 days of careful work.

What have you learnt?

I’ve gained a wide range of lab skills, from cell culture and CRISPR knockouts to protein-protein interaction modelling and immunofluorescence. This experience has strengthened my understanding of DNA repair and class switch recombination, as well as the mindset needed for research—patience, precision, and problem-solving.

Was there anything you found difficult? How did you approach it?

Western blotting was a challenge due to its many steps and potential pitfalls. I had to be meticulous to avoid mistakes, like ensuring my gel was correctly prepared. With persistence and troubleshooting, I became more confident in the process.

What was it like to move to Cambridge? 

Moving outside of London helped me appreciate the importance of a balanced life. I realised that maintaining a social life is essential for mental well-being, which in turn helps with focus and productivity in research. I also had to adapt to new routines, like traveling further for groceries and learning to organise my time better.

Who has supported you in your projects or with the day to day?

I received support from many people, especially my day to day supervisor, Anna Dowd and my overall supervisor was Claudia Ribeiro de Almeida. Others in the lab, from different educational and cultural backgrounds, also helped me by teaching various techniques and offering diverse perspectives on research.

Did anything defy your expectations?

 I was surprised by the strong sense of community at the Institute. It wasn’t just a place for science, but a collaborative environment where people built meaningful relationships. I also learned to think outside the box in research, which helped me approach problems from new angles.

What is your next step?

This placement has helped me better organise my time and lab work. I now know how to schedule experiments more efficiently and make the most of waiting periods with data analysis and email/paperwork or even lunch. I’ve also gained insight into balancing fundamental research with translational applications.

I plan to start my PhD in neuroimmunology including brain cancer neurodegeneration or neuroinfectious disease at the University of Manchester in October. My goal is to combine my neuroscience background with my new immunology expertise. In the future, I might pursue a career in academia, industry, or potentially move into consultancy or market access in pharmacology.