Sira Borja - Physics student from Spain
Why did you apply for the internship?
I wanted to get my first taste of actual research, as I had never done an internship before. In addition, when I discovered the different research groups at the Biozentrum, I was really interested in the research being carried out at several of them. For me, this internship was the opportunity to gain my first experience of the research world while learning about topics that interest me and are a bit outside of my own field.
What has surprised you most?
The freedom you are given. I wasn't expecting to be able to direct my own work. You experience the workflow of a PhD student, and its full immersion into that research world. In my case, coming from physics but working in a lab in a completely different field, I was surprised to find so many ways to apply my physics knowledge. Although it's part of my supervisor's project, I have been able to approach it through the physics-lens, and orient it a bit towards a field that resonates more with me.
Which research group are you working with?
I'm working in Anissa Kempf's group, which focuses on the study of sleep in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). I chose this group because I was interested in neuroscience as a kid. I ended up choosing physics as a career, but I like to look at the biological systems being studied at my lab from that physics point of view.
What is your research project about?
We study the sleep behavior of flies with the aim of identifying particular postures or movements corresponding to distinct sleep stages. I’m analyzing data of several night recordings using programming and statistical tools which are physics-based.
Has the internship changed the way you think about research?
This internship has allowed me to experience what real research is like and compare it with my previous ideas about it. For several years, I’ve had the plan of pursuing a research career, and this internship has confirmed that that is really the path I would like to take.
Why do you think other students should take part in Research Summer?
I think this is a very rich and valuable experience for any student that wants to pursue a research career. You can experience what that life is actually like for a few weeks and based on this form a clear goal for your future. This internship also has a strong social program, allowing you to share the experience with other students from different fields who are working in various labs.
Had you been to Basel before?
I hadn't been to Basel before, although I had been to other Swiss cities. What I like the most about Basel is its calmness and feel, compared to my own city. Living by a river is something I had never experienced before, and it is very different from living by the sea. Basel is a very beautiful city, and this program also offers the opportunity to discover it and enjoy its culture and lifestyle.