Italian graduate in Biomedical Science Riccardo Privolizzi talks about his scientific highlights whilst studying at London Met.
What made you choose Biomedical Science?
I have always been interested in science from early childhood. During my scholastic education, I studied biology and chemistry and then went on to take biotechnology at university level for one academic year, in Italy. During that time I became fully aware that my interest for research was getting more specific in the field of medical applications. This led me to move to London to complete my BSc Biomedical Science at London Met with the intention of gaining a First Class degree and getting a place on the MSc course Cell and Gene Therapy at University College London (UCL). I am determined to proceed onto a PhD programme for the clinical applications of cell and gene therapy as the next step in my career.
What did you most enjoy about your study at London Met?
At London Met I had an amazing time: I met a lot of passionate, dedicated and inspiring lecturers as well as very good friends. Having the chance to be taught in the largest teaching laboratory in Europe, the Superlab, was one of the most exciting experiences in my life.
On approaching the final year of my degree, I chose a project that would allow me to perfect my skills in a very broad range of techniques, from microbiology to genetics and molecular biology. This was accompanied by a parallel collaboration on a scientific article with my supervisor Dr Gary McLean that was published under the title of “The application of prophylactic antibodies for rhinovirus infections” by the online journal Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy.
What did you do outside of study?
Throughout my time as an undergraduate student I have been a Student Ambassador, an activity that gave me experience in the teaching field with students from local secondary schools and colleges. I have also volunteered as a laboratory assistant for two years, which allowed me to gain further experience, familiarity with the laboratory environment and an insight in working in the area of molecular sciences.
