Fardina Rahimi
PIPS Host Organization: BioTe Veterinary Lab
Project Title: Supporting Laboratory Manager

Fardina Rahimi was involved in several different assays in the lab, including Eva Elisa, EIA Elisa, haematology, warm egg count, gram stain, and cytology. She learned a lot about horses and their diseases, as well as some bacteriology, qPCR, and strangles Elisa. Through this placement, she gained insights into how a commercial lab operates as a business, how to work under pressure, and how to perform assays efficiently in terms of time and cost.

Additionally, Fardina developed problem-solving skills, such as fixing machines when they broke or troubleshooting experiments that did not work. She had the opportunity to work within a group and recognized that the strengths and weaknesses of individuals are most effective when combined into something greater. The bacteriology skills she developed will assist her with her PhD project, as she will need to culture different bacteria next year.

This placement taught Fardina how to work under pressure and manage multiple experiments simultaneously. It also prepared her for working in a diagnostic lab using samples from patients. She is proud of how she dealt with the pressure, feeling good about adding value and making a positive difference. An achievement she is particularly proud of is being chosen to work in this lab by her PIPS manager, which proved to her that she did an excellent job during her placement.

In summary, completing this placement boosted Fardina’s sense of self-esteem and self-worth, making her a more confident and well-rounded individual. This experience is an essential component of her personal and professional growth.ging to manage so many different tasks and people all at once but, having finished the placement, he now feels much more confident in his ability to manage and prioritize himself, his work, and others.