King's College London

Senior Public Engagement Officer Esther Osarfo-Mensah coordinated a week-long work experience programme for five students through In2STEM, a widening participation initiative that helps BTEC and A-Level students from under-represented backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) explore career opportunities in the sector. The group was introduced to a wide range of research and clinical activities taking place across the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences and Guy's Cancer Centre.

PhD student Rosie Lewis welcomed the students to the School’s Research Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology at St Thomas’ Hospital, where she shared insights into her research on PET imaging to develop new radiotheranostics for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and her career journey.

Students then took part in a hands-on lab activity led by Dr Cinzia Imberti and PhD student Zuzanna Kokoszka, exploring the importance of purification of molecular imaging agents in disease detection and treatment. The visit also included a tour of the PET Centre with Giorgio Testanera, where students followed the patient journey and learned how positron emission tomography (PET) supports both clinical diagnosis and medical research.

Students also met the 7T MAGNETOM Terra MRI team to learn about advanced MRI scanning and visited the Neural Systems and Neuromodulation Lab, where they discovered how EEG, MRI and brain stimulation techniques are helping researchers better understand the brain and develop new treatments for neurological and mental health conditions.

Other sessions explored how MRI-based computer modelling can support placental and fetal interventions with Dr Andrew Melbourne and his team, and how engineering, medical physics and clinical practice come together in paediatric neuroradiology, MRI and ultrasound with Dr Jon Cleary and Dr Naimish Adroja.

Students also explored how 3D printing is being used to improve healthcare through the HealthTech Research Centre. Clinical Scientist Nick Byrne, alongside PhD students Joseph Lovatt-Fraser and Aban Merali, introduced them to current research and applications of the technology in medicine.  

In the School’s Surgical & Interventional Engineering Lab, Specialist Senior Technician Gayathri Nantharatnam and Specialist Chief Technician Duane James gave students an introduction to surgical robotics research. Through hands-on object-handling activities, students gained insight into how robotic technologies are being developed for healthcare. They also heard from PhD student Basma Alabdullah, who shared her research on developing soft robotics for radiology applications and her career journey so far.

At Guy’s Cancer Centre, the students explored cancer research through visits to Dr Graeme Hewitt’s lab, the King’s Health Partners Cancer Biobank, and the PharosAI team. They gained valuable hands-on laboratory experience, taking part in activities such as agarose gel electrophoresis and learning how tissue samples are stored, processed and analysed using fluorescence and light microscopy.

Reflecting on the experience, one student said the placement provided valuable insight into a career they previously knew little about and helped them consider their future career path. Another student praised the programme's engaging sessions, noting that they aligned closely with their interests and future aspirations, and described the week as enjoyable overall.

Thank you to all the researchers, clinicians, technicians and professional services staff whose support and expertise helped make the placement a success and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.