At The Mountain Cambridge School, we’re always proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni. Today, we highlight the incredible journey of Cayley Smith, an MCS graduate who is making waves in the world of Life Sciences.
Cayley’s academic journey at the University of Glasgow has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following her exceptional performance in her second year, she was invited to apply for the university’s most prestigious undergraduate programme, an integrated Masters (MSci) degree and was subsequently accepted. This degree includes a placement year at a research institution or company, giving students hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific research.
For Cayley, this placement year is shaping up to be an International adventure. Without even applying, she was approached by Paris-Saclay University in France to continue her summer research. Her research report from this past summer was shared with a colleague at Paris-Saclay by her supervisor, leading to an invitation to join their team at the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology. Even more impressively, her findings are now the foundation for a long-term joint grant application between the University of Glasgow and Paris-Saclay.
But the opportunities didn’t stop there. Due to the six-month limit on internships at Paris-Saclay, Dr. Barre from Paris-Saclay reached out to the renowned Institut Pasteur in Paris, where Cayley will further expand her research for the remainder of her placement year. This collaboration showcases her growing reputation as a young scientist poised to contribute significantly to her field.
Cayley Smith & Dr Sean Colloms
Adding to her accolades, Cayley also applied for a placement at the prestigious Francis Crick Institute in London, Europe’s largest biomedical research center. Out of 620 applicants, only 37 candidates, described as “the most outstanding” have been invited for interviews, and Cayley is amongst them. She has already received a final offer as one of the final ten out of the 37 interviewed to be offered a placement.
Cayley’s academic accomplishments extend beyond placements. Her research report has been published by the Biochemistry Society, and her article was featured in the UK’s largest student-run, award-winning Science magazine. These achievements are a testament to her dedication, intellect, and passion for pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
Cayley’s path, is a source of immense pride for The Mountain Cambridge School community. Her journey exemplifies how determination, talent, and a strong educational foundation can open doors to incredible opportunities on a global stage.
We wish Cayley all the best in her placement, and we look forward to following her continued success. She truly embodies the spirit of excellence and innovation that defines MCS Alumni.
