Caitlin Macleod: my role as a laboratory scientist in molecular biology
Earlier this year SRUC was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education which recognises the institution’s contribution to animal welfare, veterinary science, education, research, and the economy through its world-class Veterinary Services network.
This fourth blog celebrates our colleague Caitlin Macleod:
My role as a laboratory scientist in molecular biology at SRUC Veterinary Services
I’ve been working as a Laboratory Scientist in Molecular Biology at SRUC Veterinary Services for the past three years. My daily responsibilities involve handling samples sent by clients, including vets and farmers. These samples are prepped for DNA extraction and then subjected to PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to test for various diseases based on the symptoms presented by the animals.
A significant part of my role involves working with samples for the Scottish Government Eradication Scheme for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV). We test ear tissues collected when animals are tagged, as well as serum blood samples. This process involves using liquid handling robots, a technology I had no prior experience of before joining SRUC. The knowledge I gained from studying at SRUC has been invaluable in understanding the fundamentals of PCR and the impact of our work on the farming industry.
I attended the Applied Animal Science course from 2017 to 2021 and graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially when I left school, I wasn’t sure what career path to take, but I had an interest in the animal industry. I went to the open day at SRUC and immediately knew that this was what I wanted to study. The variety and the scope of topics that were covered on the course meant that while I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, it gave me time to figure it out and gave me the insight into how the industries worked.
The labs and graded unit projects during my Applied Animal Science course made me realize my passion for the practical aspects of science, particularly in disease diagnostics. To develop the necessary skills for lab work, I sought out work experience opportunities while I was studying from home during Covid in my last year. This led me to shadow at Moredun Research Institute and spend a week doing practical work at one of the crop labs at SRUC, which helped maintain my pipette technique during the pandemic.
I started my job at SRUC just five days after my final exam in my fourth year, which was incredibly fortunate as it was exactly what I had hoped for. I thoroughly enjoy my job and the daily challenges it presents, including dealing with unusual samples. Looking ahead, I am interested in continuing my work in animal health and exploring how it can connect to human and plant health through the concept of ‘One Health’, which fascinates me and is something I am open to exploring further in the future.
Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 15/08/2024
