Jessica Lewis 

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

Being given the tools to become an independent academic was invaluable. Now I can continue to research and enjoy my passion for neuroscience long into my future. The independence we were given and freedom to explore the field meant that there was never a dull moment; we were able to delve deep into our areas of interest, and develop into the independent researchers that we are today. 

Some of the students we are profiling have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you, please can you tell us about this and what it means to you?

I received a Dean’s Commendation Certificate for Outstanding Achievement. After I had COVID-19, I was soon diagnosed with long-covid, which impacted my heart, caused severe fatigue and brain fog. This meant I had to work twice as hard. Receiving this Dean’s Commendation proved to me, not only that I could overcome obstacles, but that my efforts had been recognised by the university. 

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

First Aid Society, Neuroscience Society, St John Ambulance Service (Exeter Student Volunteering Unit).

What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?

There are so many highlights from my time at Exeter that it is difficult to select just one. However, a real highlight of my time at Exeter was writing and receiving my feedback for my dissertation. I had always been passionate about my field of choice, and being given the opportunity to write a 10,000 word piece of research in this area was both exciting and edifying. Furthermore, I obtained a 1st class in this piece of work, which gave me the confidence to continue my research outside of university.  

What will you miss the most about University?

I will miss the people; both lecturers and friends. 

What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)

 To both current and future students: find your passion and run with it. This university gives you the chance to explore and develop into your own person with your own fields of expertise. Finding your passion in your field is not only rewarding but if, you love something, you’ll find you do better at it. 

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I have secured a job working for Johnson & Johnson working as a clinical trials associate.