This Biophysics Week, we're highlighting some of the outstanding members of our Student Chapter program. Today, we'll hear from Fillcom Kubrom, a 3rd year PhD student from the University of St Andrews Biophysical Society Student Chapter.
What inspired you to study biophysics?
I was always really interested in physics and while studying it as an undergraduate I was keen to apply what we were learning to help others. Through the introduction of super resolution microscopy, I was able to delve into biology which opened many interesting techniques and questions.
What do you think makes the study of biophysics unique?
It’s truly interdisciplinary in nature. In other fields perhaps you can isolate a problem and just use a single skillset from an independent discipline, however biophysics really demands a firm grasp of the physics, biology and even chemistry sometimes to build a coherent picture of the experiment you are trying to carryout.
What skill have you learned in your studies that you find useful in other aspects of your life?
Through my PhD so far, I have had the opportunity to teach many students in the lab, which has really helped develop my scientific communication skills. This has been extremely useful when explaining what it is that I do in layman’s terms to friends and family who won’t necessarily have a background in science.
What is your dream career?
I’m currently really enjoying research and I would love to stay in academia eventually becoming a professor.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I gave a full talk at the end of my second year and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It was really nice to hear so many people (even astronomers) had enjoyed my talk and understood what I was working on.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about studying biophysics?
Do it! However challenging the journey may be, the success will be twice as nice. It will demand a lot but learning cool things each step of the way makes it worth it – plus there’s so much to find out!