The appliance of science is made possible for student thanks to public donations

A student has thanked members of the public for digging deep into their pockets and donating money to support her research into understanding a childhood genetic condition.

Amanda Ash, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) student in the University of Northampton’s Bioscience team. She is working alongside other researchers looking into the causes of the childhood genetic condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Amanda’s mentor and lecturer Dr Karen Anthony started a crowdfunding appeal to buy lab equipment and other resources vital to her research to better understand how DMD affects the brain.

The campaign raised a total of £783, which contributed to providing the necessary lab equipment for Amanda to use during her year with Dr Anthony and her team. Funding came from donors as far afield as the USA.

Commenting on her work so far, Amanda said: “I can’t thank people enough for their generosity in supporting our campaign. The money raised has equipped me to start my investigations into DMD.

“Coming back to study at University of Northampton was always an easy decision. The staff are enthusiastic and really involve you in the work, giving you the chance to work on your own projects in areas you want to explore.”

Dr Anthony added: “Crowdfunding has helped us more effectively communicate our science to the public and involve them in our research. It’s brilliant news they helped fund Amanda’s work and further the important lab based research we carry out here at University of Northampton.

“A good number of our Human Bioscience students, like Amanda, either return or stay on with us to take part in such postgraduate studies, which reflects well on the quality of the course and how we invest in our students.

“Part of this includes preparing them to work as laboratory professionals and we even recently hosted a ‘Speed Mentoring’ event, with senior science and health peers visiting us and passing on advice to help prepare them.”

See our website for more information about our Human Bioscience course.

Find out more about Dr Anthony’s research on Duchenne.