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The University of Southampton
Biological Sciences

University of Southampton Biological Sciences roadshow in Kenya

Published: 31 March 2015
Kenya Roadshow

Biological scientists from the University of Southampton took a roadshow of Biology-themed experiments and careers talks to schools in Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Katy Stubbs, PhD student

The aim was to give students a sense of what it is like to study Biological Sciences at high-ranking research institutions like Southampton, and to make students aware of exciting careers in science.

The Centre for Biological Sciences runs an outreach programme that works across the UK to demonstrate the power and potential of science to young people. Dr Amrit Mudher, a Kenyan-born Neuroscientist based at Southampton, wanted to extend this offer to overseas students.

Dr Amrit Mudher

Travelling with two colleagues, Dr Mudher visited five schools in Nairobi. In the first of two experiments, students precipitated and observed their own DNA. This led on to discussion of what scientists can see in DNA data including susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

During the second experiment, students grew two types of crystal from solution, noting how the crystallisation process occurs. Discussion was based on how DNA was first discovered using X-ray crystallography, and the modern applications of this technique used by researchers at the University of Southampton.

Dr Amrit Mudher presents

The sessions finished off with talks on the career prospects of scientists. As well as discussing exciting careers within science, Dr Mudher was keen to demonstrate how scientists are in demand in many other industries including banking, finance, law and engineering. To find out more about employability, visit our careers website.

The visits were a great success, with students and teachers commenting on how useful it was to have Dr Mudher’s joint perspectives of being both a UK-based scientist, and someone who has made the journey from international student to leading a successful career.


To find out more, visit the Centre for Biological Sciences website, or if you have any questions about study, research or careers within science, email us at a.mudher@soton.ac.uk  or a.stonestreet@soton.ac.uk

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