Rae Wallace

What's your long term ambition?

Science in general is a great career to go into because there are so many different avenues you can go through. I definitely want to go further into education. My dream job would be a Clinical Scientist with a clinic in either cardiac or diabetic studies, which requires more studying. A Masters is definitely on the cards, maybe even a PhD. You never know what's going to happen though, especially with how science is a rapidly evolving.

How are you feeling now that your time at Abertay has come to an end?

It's a bittersweet end. I have made so many great friends through my time at Abertay, and also so many great connections. The lecturers I have had the past 4 years have pulled me through tough subjects and taught me new passions. But that means that I am excited to get out and work in these passions! Abertay allowed me to meet the people that I now work with on a daily basis. Its the closing of one chapter into another. The lab I work in also has Biomedical Scientists that come to Abertay to lecture, so you might see me back one day talking to you about the clinical application of biomedicine!

Why did you decide to study at Abertay?

There are multiple reasons but I have to say that Dr Kevin Smith, the programme leader of Biomedical Science, is one of my main reasons. You can really tell that Kevin has a passion for biomedical science and it really stood out to me during Abertay's open days that I attended. All of the lecturers on the programme have different specialties that they are excited to show you and explain, and that is something that was and still is really important to me. I also had the chance to talk to the learning support team before I even applied to uni. They showed me the support that they offer for people who have learning difficulties (I myself am dyslexic). I felt supported and more confident after speaking to the team that I could get through university with not just ok grades, but good grades. Abertay is also a pretty small university, and it's quite relaxed as well. All staff are approachable and you feel as though you're a part of a family.

What were the highlights of your time at Abertay?

Achieving placement and completing my Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration portfolio in 3rd year was incredible. I was able to become registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) before a lot of graduates that graduated from non-accredited universities. This allowed me to get a job I love quickly and also within the NHS. I also had a great time on the women's rugby team. In a high-contact sport like that you become close with your team mates instantly, I made friends for life there.

How did you find having to move to online learning due to COVID-19?

It was tough, but it was tough for everyone. The first few weeks of placement for me was online, but this was then followed by 14 weeks of full time lab work. The lecturers and staff in Blood Science were incredibly supportive and I was in uni and the lab as much as possible. There was a lot of help provided and with lectures being recorded I was able to go back and rewatch material I struggled with. My course year made a group chat that was active pretty frequently that allowed us to help each other openly.