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10 Years of the Protein Challenge: Caitlan’s Journey into public engagement

Caitlan is a 3rd year PhD student in the McGough Lab, Signalling programme. (image: Caitlan with the other judges at the Protein Challenge poster exhibition 2023)

A new opportunity

Although I’ve always been interested in science communication and outreach work, I hadn’t had many opportunities to pursue it before. So, when I was asked to give a talk for the Protein Challenge 2023 students centered on my path to science, I quickly accepted. During the talk, I had the chance to share my journey leading up to my PhD here at Babraham, explore the use of animal models in research, and share past and present research projects I’ve been involved with. 

Surprisingly, Sixth Form students proved to be (almost) more intimidating than my fellow researchers in the Signalling programme. However, they engaged just as enthusiastically, and their questions were insightful.  Some students asked questions about why I chose a career in cell signalling research, while others were curious to know what it’s like working with fruit flies in the lab. Preparing this talk gave me a chance to build on my own communication skills, as I had to tailor my key science messages for the next generation of aspiring scientists. This not only tested my presentation skills, but also my understanding of what I’ve actually done!

An exceptional exhibition

During the final phase, I was involved in judging the research poster exhibition. See the photo above from 2024. As we arrived at the college, we made our way to a large science lab where several rows of poster boards were set up  at the back and a group of 30 students waiting for us to be introduced to them. Then it was time for each pair to stand beside their carefully displayed poster and nervously wait their turn to speak about the experience of carrying out their research and everything they had learned. We could definitely feel the sense of excitement and (friendly) competition in the air.

With our clipboards at the ready, we circulated and judged each team based on their posters’ visual appeal, students’ verbal presentation skills and general understanding of their research aims. In testament to their engagement with the Protein Challenge, the students made it very difficult for us to pick a winner, and so meant we had a good number of well-deserved, honourable mentions! As we made our way around the class we were impressed by how students presented their research findings and had grown in confidence through learning new scientific techniques and skills.  They answered our questions clearly and some shared great reflections on how participating in the project had positively influenced their plans to pursue future career and study opportunities in science. In testament to their engagement with the Protein Challenge, the students made it very difficult for us to pick a winner, and so meant we had a good number of well-deserved, honourable mentions!

For me, judging the posters was the most enjoyable part of my involvement because it was really nice to see how proud the students were of their work, and some of the students even reported that they want to give lab science a go in the future.

The Protein Challenge is an exciting project which I’m really grateful to have been part of. All in all, it provides a fantastic platform for research and technical staff to engage with students and give them that chance to explore ‘real-life science’ that I wish I had at school. I have also gained a lot from this experience, which made me reflect on my own journey as a PhD student and how far I’ve come. 

Igniting my passion for outreach

Since taking part I’ve been inspired to engage with other public outreach opportunities, including School’s Day in 2023 and 2024 and visiting St Mary’s Catholic School to speak to A-Level students during their Science Week. Right now I’m enjoying being involved with Protein Challenge 2024, and would encourage anyone with a curiosity for public engagement to join us and give it a go!