My In2scienceUK experience: Daniel Cairns

This summer we partnered again with In2scienceUK , funding four student research placements in hearing research laboratories at University College London and Newcastle University. Daniel Cairns spent his placement in Dr Michael Mather’s lab at Newcastle University, exploring research into the immunology of the nose and middle ear. We caught up with Daniel to find out how the experience shaped his interest in hearing research. Daniel Cairns took part in an In2research placement at Newcastle University. Daniel, was hearing research on your mind before this summer? "Honestly, no! It wasn't on my radar before this summer. But I do tend to be drawn toward research that doesn't get its fair share of support, and hearing research is a clear example of that: it's a well-recognised, underfunded field. I like working where I feel I can make a difference." Can you tell us about your experience on placement? "My main contribution was putting my coding and data analysis skills to use, along with my background in medical writing, on manuscript review. I worked with my host, Dr Michael Mather, on two papers at very different stages: one on otitis media (middle ear infection) and one on models of inner ear organoid development. There was no real typical day; though it was always lovely to be in the office with such a dedicated and passionate team! I would honestly say my best group research experience yet." What did you learn about hearing loss and hearing research that you didn’t know before? "Honestly, I had zero background in the theory behind hearing, beyond what's touched on at A-level. I had to get up to speed quickly, working through the literature on recurrent otitis media, which turned out to involve several competing theories, piece by piece. On a practical level, I picked up new methods that feed straight back into my own computational skills." What did you enjoy most about your placement? "Working with Michael, within the Cellular Origins of Immune Disease group at Newc