Dominique Baptiste - UNIQ+ Research Intern, Department of Biology

Which research project did you work on in your UNIQ+ internship?

My UNIQ+ research project aimed to assess the effect of temperature change during Drosophila melanogaster development, under the supervision of Dr Anna Vinton. Specifically, we wanted to understand the effects of temperature on fruit fly life-histories over generations.

Results from this project could potentially predict the effects climate change may have on different aspects of a fruit fly’s life and use this as a model for other insects, leading to a greater comprehension of temperature’s influence on insect evolution.

Did you need to learn any new methods?

Prior to this project I had not worked with fruit flies or insects in general - the specific techniques pertaining to purp making, fly husbandry, transfers, and egg counts were all new to me. I also learned how to sex fruit flies from their morphology.

Although I had previous exposure to coding in R, learning how to produce thermal production curves using this software was extremely beneficial to this project.

What do you think were the most important things you learned?

One valuable thing I have learnt during this project is the various ways to analyse and interpret data using R. Additionally, this project has boosted my confidence when it comes to independent thought and decision-making.

What are your current plans for next steps in your career, and how has your UNIQ+ internship project influenced your approach?

This project has confirmed that I want to continue with academia after completion of my undergraduate degree which is something I was previously unsure about. Before this project I had no confidence with R or modelling, but I now want to continue learning more about how to do this as it is something I thoroughly enjoyed during the latter part of this project. I am now excited to continue scientific research in a subject I love.

My current academic plan is to complete my undergraduate study, utilising the skills I have gained from this internship for my final-year research project, and then apply for research assistant roles for a year to gain greater lab experience and scientific modelling skills.

Once this is completed, I am eager to apply for the DTP at Oxford University to research the effects of stressors on marine organisms and their ecology. Without this placement and the amazing advice from my supervisor and other academics, I would not have come to this conclusion.