Alice Clark
PIPS Host Organisation: NatureMetrics (CASE Partner)
Project Title: eDNA R&D Intern

During her time at NatureMetrics, Alice Clark split her work between assisting the R&D team and working on data analysis for the Sussex kelp recovery project with her PIPS mentor. Within the R&D team, she was trained in DNA extraction from water samples, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sample preparation for SANGER sequencing. Alice assisted on several projects using these techniques to identify the best protocols for different assays, such as determining which polymerases are best adapted to various assays. Additionally, she helped in comparative analyses to identify the most efficient water pumps to use with NatureMetrics filters.

For the work related to the Sussex kelp recovery project, Alice focused on four topics: 1) the importance of replication in eDNA sampling, 2) comparing eDNA and Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) as marine biomonitoring methods, 3) the change in ecosystem over time and space, and 4) community functional diversity. She also created an infographic comparing eDNA and BRUV for a case study on the Sussex kelp project, which will be published on NatureMetrics’ website.

Alice is very grateful to the R&D team for welcoming her and teaching her numerous lab techniques that she would not have learned outside of her PIPS placement. These skills will be invaluable if she decides to pursue a career in lab-based research. She acquired skills related to teamwork and collaboration and gained insight into working in the industry. Alice also furthered her data analysis skills by working on various topics within a short period and receiving guidance from experienced scientists in her field. She is now much more confident in coding, which has already been beneficial and made her more efficient in her work, now that she is back on her PhD project. Alice is also very grateful for the new connections she has made through her PIPS placement, which she hopes to maintain throughout her career and personal life.