Matthew Peach
My Sixth Form College took part in several of Pembroke’s outreach projects. I had the opportunity to take part in an essay competition which enabled me to explore a degree level topic in detail (in my case, genetic engineering). Through this, I came across the Biochemistry course and decided the put in an application. The rest is history!
From playing Volleyball to organising the Pembroke’s 2019 May Ball, I have been able to get involved in lots of things outside of my course. In fact, pursuing other interests outside of the course was actively encouraged by my tutors. With the financial assistance of Pembroke’s Rokos Scholarships, I was able to spend a summer in Oxford carrying out a research internship in the Radcliffe Department of Medicine.
My favourite part of the course has been the fourth year, where I worked full-time on a project in one of Oxford’s research groups. I have been based in department of Biochemistry, using biophysical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) to study chaperone proteins. This has enabled me to develop my analytical and research skills in preparation for future study and employment.
In October, I will be starting a PhD at Imperial College London in Biophysics. Although I am slightly sad that my time here is soon over, I know that one never truly leaves Pembroke. I will become part of the global Pembroke alumni community, with friends and memories for life.