Meet Vacation Studentships recipient: Alyssa Winder
Posted on July 31, 2025 by Microbiology Society
The Society offers a limited number of Vacation Studentships to enable undergraduates to work on microbiological research projects during their summer vacation. The scheme also gives early- and mid-career scientists the opportunity to gain supervision experience.
Meet the Vacation Studentships recipients and learn more about their journey.
What is your name and institution?
My name is Alyssa Winder and I am currently attending the University of Suffolk studying Biomedical Science.
Please can you tell us why you applied for the Harry Smith Vacation studentship?
I decided to apply for the Harry Smith Vacation studentship as I thought it would be a great way for me to gain experience and insight into a subject area that I was interested in. As well as this, I believed it would help me determine whether it’s a field I would want to pursue in the future.
How did you feel when you found out your application was successful?
On hearing that my application was successful, I was so excited. To have an opportunity as good as this one was something I recognise I was very lucky to achieve.
How would you go-about explaining your research to someone who may not understand science?
The research I was investigating is what types of bacteria are found within the River Deben and the water in Felixstowe by the pier; both of which are local water sources that have sewage outlets nearby. As well as this, I have looked into what vibrio's are found within the water by the port in Felixstowe. This is due to ships possibly releasing ballast water which could release foreign bacteria into nearby waters. Using scientific technology, I also managed to identify resistance genes within certain bacteria in the water. This means any antibiotics that the bacteria are immune against can be identified.
What have you learnt from your experience?
This experience has taught me to be much more confident in the lab, whether it be pouring plates or carrying out genomic sequencing. The studentship has allowed me to carry out techniques I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do within the academic year, allowing me gain many new skills.
How do you think this vacation will help your career progression?
This vacation will massively help with my career progression as it has given me a wider perspective into the Microbiology field. Before taking on this studentship, I was unsure what field to specialise in. However, I have now been encouraged to go forward and pursue this as a line of work after University, possibly studying it as a Master’s Degree.
Why is support, such as this grant provided by the Microbiology Society, so important?
The support given from the Microbiology society was a necessity for me to be able to take on this opportunity. Without the grant, I wouldn't have had the means to pay rent and buy myself food as I am not local to the area. With the financial aid, I was able to reduce my hours at my other employment, allowing more time to focus on my research and gaining new skills that would help me in the future with my career.
With the financial aid, I was able to reduce my hours at my other employment, allowing more time to focus on my research and gaining new skills that would help me in the future with my career.