Noviann McLean
PIPS Host Organisation: Sibelius Natural Products
Project Title: Using C. elegans to Investigate the Potential Benefits of Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne on Metabolic Health

Noviann McLean worked as a research scientist for Sibelius Natural Products, with the aim of her placement being to establish C. elegans as a viable model for investigating the metabolic effects of Leptadenia hastata and further explore its effects on mitochondrial health, body fat, and eating behavior. She carried out a series of assays that examined these aspects in detail, including bacteria growth curves, oxygen consumption, confocal imaging of the mitochondrial network, fat staining using Oil Red O, food intake, and pharyngeal pumping rate assays. The final aspect of her project involved shadowing and assisting a Mass Spectrometry Specialist in identifying key compounds in the Leptadenia hastata extract. Noviann also attended New Product Development meetings and presented her findings at those meetings.

Being a member of Sibelius Natural Products was an exhilarating experience for Noviann. She gained immense knowledge and insight into what working in the industry entails. Noviann learned to be very efficient in planning, organising, and executing all her assays in a timely manner to meet the deadlines for all the milestones set out prior to starting her PIPS. Through this placement, she also improved her project management skills and learned about the commercial side of research. Additionally, Noviann enhanced her communication skills by attending New Product Development meetings and sharing her findings.