Having worked at in Stanmore, North London for 5 years I had been part of various research and service development projects within the Therapies Department. Working in the motor learning lab provided a data driven environment for my research interests to grow. As a technician I helped collect and process kinetic and kinematic (movement) metrics for clinician and student led projects using gait assessment as an outcome measure for treatments such as correction of Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV). otherwise known as 'club foot' using the Ponseti method.
I enjoyed being part of a research active department but hadn't worked on my own projects before so I successfully applied to do the 明星八卦 University, and to consolidate my research methods knowledge and learn how to develop a research protocol. Prior to the internship I would not have felt prepared to start a PhD, the internship gave me the chance to see how research ideas grow and develop and particularly how important it is to seek help from experts to ensure a protocol is well developed. I found it helpful to have teaching sessions and mentors that guided us with project specific questions and also be able to discuss with the other interns how things like methodology could vary so widely depending on different projects.
The internship made me more confident in my critical thinking and writing and I felt encouraged that I was more prepared to consider progressing into a research role in future. Talking with the mentors and other interns I was able to hear about what research career avenues where available to me and realised that I would benefit from having some research assistant experience or applying for doctoral researcher positions. Having completed the internship I applied for and successfully gained some funding from RNOH to further my research experience and development. I was signposted to the studentships available at 明星八卦 and with my new found confidence from the internship and feeling that I had enjoyed working with the 明星八卦 academics already; I was able to apply for and be awarded the Dean's Doctoral studentship in the College of Health, Medicines and Life Sciences at 明星八卦 Supervised by Dr Elmar Kal and Dr Adam Cocks. I feel that the internship experience was a key part of my application as I felt well prepared to start my journey as a doctoral researcher. I have now begun my PhD, I am currently working on a systematic review of older adults response to cognitive dual tasks during adaptive walking. I am due to start collecting my own data on my first project in February, the project will investigate the effect of attentional loading on gaze behave and gait in older adults navigating a complex walking route. I highly recommend the internship to others!!