Tarik pipetting at the lab bench in the Crick's Advanced Sequencing facility.

I had the chance to use some impressive machinery and felt like I had a role in the project that the machines were used for.

Tarik completed a one-week placement in the Crick’s Advanced Sequencing facility.

About me

My name is Tarik and I go to sixth form here in Camden. The subjects that I study are Maths, Biology and Chemistry. In year 12 I also did an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). In the future, I would like to study medicine or bioinformatics.

Why I applied to a work experience at the Crick 

The EPQ that I did in year 12 was based on COVID-19 and SARS (the virus which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome). During the project, sequencing and its importance came up a lot which made me very interested in the subject. After hearing about a DNA sequencing placement at the Crick through one of my teachers, I didn’t hesitate to sign up.

How I felt coming into the Crick on my first day

I was quite nervous in the beginning, but very excited at the same time. When I met my supervisor, all the nerves were gone. I was welcomed extremely well by everyone in my team and my supervisor. Everyone was friendly and easy to talk to. 

The best part of my work experience placement was...

All the lab work I’ve done is a real highlight of my time here. I had the chance to use some impressive machinery and felt like I had a role in the project that the machines were used for. My supervisor was very kind and gave me all the information and support I needed. I had some great conversations with members of staff here and with my team. Through them, I learnt a lot about the different jobs at the Crick. I learnt a lot during my time here and I enjoyed my placement very much!