Neuroscience alumni stories

Abigail Sealey, Apprentice Clinical Physiologist

Abigail graduated from the Neuroscience BSc course in 2021, and now works for Kent and Canterbury Hospital - East Kent Trust.

What does your current Job Role entail?

My current role involves performing EEGs to aid in the diagnosis of epilepsy or other neurological disorders in a variety of settings and on a variety of patients. Additionally, I assist and perform evoked potential and nerve conduction tests for diagnostic and monitoring purposes of patients.

How has your degree helped you professionally?

I particularly found the coursework on scientific communication useful, as I have to communicate complex concepts and tests to patients in an effective manner. Additionally, the module Neurobiology of Disease gave me good background knowledge in the diseases and disorders that I come across each day.

Did you take part in any work experience during your studies?

Although I did not complete a placement in the summer, I did some work experience in a neurophysiology department, which sparked my interest in the job that I do today.

What advice would you give to a student embarking on this course?

I would advise you to get work experience/ placements to experience different working environments and roles. I hadn’t considered my role until I spent a week in the department.

Helena French, Outreach and Widening Participation

Helena graduated from the Neuroscience BSc course in 2016 and currently works for the University of Nottingham.

What does your current Job Role entail?

I support staff across the Faculty of Science, alongside setting up, planning and managing a range of different projects within the faculty. These range from school programmes and outreach events, to a neurodivergent employment programme.

How has your degree helped you professionally?

In a final year project we developed and ran workshops in schools as part of our dissertation study. Taking on committee roles within sport clubs at the university, and volunteering as part of the British Science Association, or organising events such as science in the park also helped me with my career.

What advice would you give to a student embarking on this course?

Enjoy delving deep into the subject area and using it as a tool to develop your critical thinking, organisational and communication skills. Don’t worry if you realise a research career isn’t for you, there are lots of exciting roles which these skills are essential for.