Alexander Aksut

Second year biology student at the University of York. Passionate about microbial science and bioprocessing. Enjoys independent research and is enthusiastic towards the collaborative opportunities offered by being part of a team. Looking for work experience from a year in industry which would help advance a career in research.

Completed 37 hours of laboratory practical sessions in the first year at York, providing experience with a wide range of lab skills including accurate use of a micropipette, appropriate use of aseptic technique to transfer microorganisms, focusing a light microscope for observation of biological samples, accurate use of a UV/visible spectrophotometer to measure absorbance of a reagent, loading samples onto gels for separation by electrophoresis, accurate use of an electronic balance to measure sample mass, contemporaneous record keeping based on practical work, and measurement of change of a variable over time using appropriate equipment.

Planned and carried out two laboratory experiments in university. The first of which was focused on the efficacy of different antimicrobial compounds at killing a certain type of bacteria (Received a mark of 61). The second experiment was an investigation into how well a certain type of algae grows on lignin, and whether this could be used to make the textiles industry more renewable (Received a mark of 69).

Received a 2:1 in a module on RStudios in first year at York to use RStudios to catalogue and evaluate data. Received a 1:1 in a second year assignment. Fully competent in Microsoft Office applications.

Voted in as committee member of two societies at the university, which involves regular meetings to plan events and organise time and budgets for each term. Co-ran the biology and STEM societies during Sixth Form, which constituted organising talks from students and guests. Acquired skills in risk assessment and lab safety by preparing and running practical activities.

Was part of the biology student action group in first year, which included communicating between staff and students about how the department should be run and any complaints/queries mentioned.
Gave a number of presentations across first year, including a pitch on a method of carbon fixation and a visual presentation on food webs in the Yoho National Park.

Biology (MBiol) with an integrated masters.
● First year modules included genetics, microbiology, molecular biology & biochemistry, animal & plant
biology, laboratory & professional skills, genetics & evolution, and cell & development biology.
Achieved an average grade of 57% in first year, with a 2:1 in 5 modules and a pass in the tutorial section.
● Second year modules include Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action, genome expression and maintenance, molecular microbiology, practical ecology, behavioural ecology.