From Türkiye to Oxford: A Summer in Computational Biology

Verda 

I am Verda Deniz, a 20-year-old Biomedical Engineering student from Türkiye. This summer, I joined the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) as a visiting undergraduate researcher alongside a peer from my university.

I have always been driven by how engineering can be used to solve complex questions in biology and medicine. Being at MRC WIMM gave me the chance to explore this intersection through computational biology while experiencing research outside my home university.

What stood out to me immediately was the collaborative and open atmosphere. Seeing researchers from different disciplines share ideas and embrace the trial-and-error nature of science made research feel real, accessible and exciting.

One highlight was attending a PhD viva and the celebration after. It was a great opportunity to see a professional thesis presentation and explore one of the lab's comprehensive studies, but celebrating together was just as fun. Seeing their relief and happiness made me genuinely happy for them, and it showed me how supportive the team is.

As a young woman in engineering, stepping into an international research environment like Oxford was deeply empowering. Türkiye has many talented students and researchers, but access to global research opportunities is often limited. Being welcomed into an environment like the MRC WIMM shows just how much potential can thrive when given the right platform.

I am deeply grateful to Dr Ravza Gür and Professor Jim Hughes for welcoming us, guiding our work, and trusting undergraduate students in a world-class research setting, as well as the support of the incredible team at the Centre for Computational Biology (CCB).

I am moving forward with practical computational biology skills, a clearer sense of direction, and the confidence that I belong in research. As I continue my journey, I hope to pay this experience forward and help open similar doors for future students and women in science.

Ceren

I’m Ceren, an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering student from Türkiye, and I’m currently doing a six-week research placement at the Hughes Lab at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM).

My focus is on computational genomics and bioinformatics. During my time here, I have been working on analysing single-cell datasets. Coming from an academic environment in Türkiye where specialised infrastructure is still developing, having direct access to strong computational resources and a well-equipped research environment has been a huge step forward for my academic training.

I am just finishing my fourth week, with two weeks left to go. Beyond the research itself, being at the MRC WIMM and living in Oxford has added a lot to my personal perspective. The Institute is open, friendly, and genuinely collaborative - everyone is approachable and ready to exchange ideas. Outside the lab, simply being immersed in such an international academic culture exposes you to different ways of thinking that go far beyond coursework.

During our first week, we held an Academic Day where many members of the CCB group gave presentations about their ongoing projects. Following the talks, the team held brainstorming sessions, which gave me a great opportunity to listen in and get an overview of their research. Afterwards, we all had dinner together. It was both an inspiring and fun day, as well as a chance to bond with the team.

I am truly grateful to Prof. Jim Hughes for welcoming me into his lab and supporting my project, and to Dr Emine Ravza Gür, who guides my academic journey both as my PI in Türkiye and as my supervisor here at Oxford. Both have been incredibly supportive mentors. I am also grateful to the whole CCB group for creating such a kind and welcoming work environment. Working at the WIMM alongside them has been a truly inspiring experience for my future career.