Kavya graduated in 2025 from our MSc Bioinformatics programme Name Kavya Manjula Gurubasavaiah Programme MSc Bioinformatics Year of Graduation 2025 I’m particularly interested in roles that combine data science and biology to generate insights for health, food, and biotechnology industries. My goal is to apply the skills I developed at Edinburgh to real-world challenges while continuing to grow as a researcher. What was your favourite part of your studies? My favourite part of being a student in Biological Sciences at Edinburgh has been the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research in genomics and metagenomics. The hands-on training with real-world datasets and advanced tools gave me the confidence to approach complex biological questions. My highlight so far has been my MSc dissertation, where I worked on microbial community analysis of sourdough and kvass, integrating both 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomics data to uncover functional and ecological patterns. What did you do in a typical day as a Biological Sciences student? No two days are exactly the same, but they all have a balance of learning and community. Some mornings are lecture-heavy, others are spent in labs troubleshooting analysis pipelines. Afternoons often involve independent study in the library. What makes it special is the atmosphere-you’re surrounded by motivated people, and there’s always someone to share ideas with. What stands out about academic life in Edinburgh is how independent, yet well-supported, it is. Classes gave the big picture, but labs and tutorials were where we learned to apply knowledge critically. At first, I struggled with the pace of labs, but by preparing in advance-summarising key concepts, running small trial analyses, and asking for feedback-I became more confident. Tutorials turned into spaces where I could test my understanding, debate ideas, and build the skills I now use daily. Alongside my studies, I work part-time at Asda. It’s been a great experience to build practical skills and meet people outside the university community. When I have free time, I like taking walks around the city and discovering new places-it’s one of the best parts of living in Edinburgh. Have you done any internships, work experience or research placements during your studies? During my MSc, my main research placement was my dissertation project with Quas Drinks in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. I analysed microbial communities in sourdough and kvass using both 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, applying advanced bioinformatics tools such as QIIME2, MetaPhlAn4, HUMAnN3, and DRAM. This gave me first-hand experience in managing large datasets, building reproducible pipelines, and translating research findings into industry-relevant insights. Where did you live during your studies? My accommodation was Pentland House, about 4 miles from campus. I shared a room, and what I liked most were the modern facilities: common spaces for activities, a music room, and a gym. The UniCycles* were a fun and affordable way to travel, and it only took me about 25 minutes to reach King’s Buildings, so commuting is simple.Postgraduate accommodation*UniCyles was the University of Edinburgh’s student e-bike hire scheme. From September 2025 the City of Edinburgh Council launched a new public ebike hire scheme, in partnership with Voi.Voi eBike hire scheme Why did you choose Edinburgh? I chose Edinburgh because of its global reputation for excellence in Biological Sciences and Bioinformatics. The programme offered a unique blend of cutting-edge computational training and real-world biological applications, which aligned perfectly with my career goals. The chance to learn from leading researchers and access world-class resources made Edinburgh stand out. Do you have any advice for future Biological Sciences students? My top tip for life at King’s Buildings is to make the most of the study spaces. There are private areas if you need quiet focus, and group study spaces if you’re working on projects. I’d also recommend using the Heat & Eat room-it’s really handy to bring your own meals and warm them up between classes. What do you wish you knew before starting your postgraduate studies? I wish I’d known how important it is to be confident in asking questions and seeking support early on. At first, I felt hesitant, but I quickly realised the staff and fellow students are very approachable. My advice to others would be to make the most of tutorials, labs, and office hours-they’re designed to help you. Settling into university life was smoother than I expected once I found a routine and started connecting with classmates. This content has been created by one of our students who has been incentivised to tell their authentic story. This article was published on 2025-12-04
