Cayley’s journey at Glasgow began with a remarkable achievement in her first year—the Dobbie Smith Award. This esteemed research internship, awarded to a maximum of two undergraduate science students, enabled Cayley to delve into the intricacies of site-specific DNA recombination. Her research culminated in the development of a cloning plasmid, now bearing her name, which continues to be utilized by Masters students in further scientific explorations.
Driven by her passion for advancing scientific knowledge, Cayley secured a grant from the Biochemistry Society UK. This opportunity allowed her to conduct extensive research on DNA structure during the summer break, contributing to the creation of plasmids and bacterial strains crucial for ongoing scientific investigations.
Reflecting on her journey, Cayley shares a profound message with current students at The Mountain Cambridge School: “Never let anyone tell you that you are too small to achieve the extraordinary. As an MCS student, you are not just a big fish in a small pond. You have the potential to make significant waves in the larger ocean of possibilities, shaping the future and leaving a lasting impact on the world.”