Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), University of Oxford
Name: KWAN, Tsz Pui Nelson
Attachment: Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), University of Oxford
Period: 20 June - 12 August 2016
Star Seeker
Searching in the boundless darkness, with a little faith, I try to catch the tiny bright “stars” that pierce through the tranquility.
Being a “star seeker” has been my job during my times in the University of Oxford, a place that nurtures the stellar intelligences and shines on the human civilization.
In the summer of 2016, I am grateful to complete a 2-month GPS summer research internship in Professor David Beeson’s Congenital Myasthenia Syndromes (CMS) Laboratory of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM). The main research focus of Prof. Beeson’s group includes the pathophysiology and the treatment of CMS, a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder that can be caused by several types of genetic defects at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness.
Neuroscience has been famous for being a fast-changing field with lots of unknowns. Under Prof. Beeson and Dr. Judith Cossins' supervision, I conducted a neuroscience project in a molecular biological approach to screen for potential drugs that might increase expression of the neuromuscular junction protein DOK7, which can help downstream clustering of ACh receptors in the neuromuscular junction, so as to help treat congenital myasthenic syndromes. Fluorescence microscopy was the major method in the screening, and effective drugs will lead to fluorescent shining cells - the “stars” that I have been looking for.
Apart from my research project, life in Oxford is definitely exciting that it is an international hub for academics. Therefore, it is possible to meet with people all around the world in Prof Beeson’s group, in WIMM or even the downtown of Oxford (sort of Oxford's “central campus”), to have both cultural and academic exchange - from specific academic events like grand rounds and seminars for intellectual exchange, to casual discussion about anything happening in the world such as world politics and corresponding home country’s culture, and to having fun time in the institute like joining their summer party, table tennis tournament and salsa class, and even random chat about Brexit in a pizza shop with an Oxford student reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Hence, it is undoubtedly enjoyable to stay in this beautiful city with scholarly atmosphere and classy environment.
To me, researcher is like the Sisyphus in Greek mythology. It only takes you several seconds to look at the located stars, but as a pioneer, very often many years are spent to look for them, with uncountable failed attempts. Apart from the intellectual challenges encountered throughout the exploration, perseverance, passion and determination are inevitable for the unlimitedly repeating attempts. This is definitely one of the most impressive experiences in the research process, which is actually also true for medical studies and many things that we encounter in life.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to Professor David Beeson’s group, WIMM and the CUHK Faculty of Medicine, for their guidance in allowing me to get a taste of medical research, definitely bringing me a fruitful experience, as the shining Polaris in the boundless dark sky that guides me in my medical studies and my possible future path of clinician-scientist.
This photo was taken in Christ Church, University of Oxford. I enjoyed every moment in this beautiful scholastic city.
This photo was taken on the last day of my internship at the tearoom of the building, where the laboratory members normally had lunch together. On my last day, I prepared some Hong Kong local food, introducing the Hong Kong food culture to them. The laboratory members include neurologists, veterinarians and neuroscientists from different countries, namely Belgium, Norway, Austria,Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
This photo was taken at the entrance of the building of Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM).
