Internships & Work Placements

Work Placements

Sep 2016 – Aug 2017 (1 year)

Project title: "Investigating heart rate variability in schizophrenia patients, first-episode psychosis, and clinical high-risk individuals"

Location: University of Glasgow

Supervisor: Prof Peter Uhlhaas

Techniques used:

• Assessing basic symptoms in the psychosis spectrum in young adults
• Assessing sub-clinical psychopathology in clinical-high-risk people
• Conducting structured clinical interviews
• Participant recruitment and screening
• Using magnetoencephalogram-derived data from schizophrenia and clinical-high-risk patients to examine their autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity
• Decomposing physiological data into frequency components and quantifying their relative power
• Database creation and maintenance for the storage and analysis of longitudinal data from cognitive tests, clinical interviews, and neuropsychological assessments of hundreds of clinical participants

Internships

🔬 Jul 2015 - Aug 2015 (1 month)

Summer Internship at Lifebank Laboratory Ltd, Cyprus

I was an intern at this biotechnology and molecular diagnostics company, where I gained a deep understanding of the company's operations in areas such as stem cell banking and DNA-based diagnostics.

Key Experiences:

• Stem Cell Banking: Understood the process of cryopreserving human tissues and stem cells for future therapeutic applications, gaining insights into the cutting-edge techniques utilised in this field.
• DNA-based Diagnostics: Gained exposure to advanced molecular biology techniques used for the detection of genetic disorders and viral infections in human samples.
• Laboratory Operations: Engaged with the work at Lifebank's company-owned laboratories, learning about the practical aspects of running a high-tech biotechnology lab.

Notable Achievements:

• Acquired a comprehensive understanding of the practical applications of biotechnology and molecular diagnostics in the healthcare industry.
• Participated in the company's mission to continuously innovate and improve its services, gaining insights into the process of research and development in a fast-paced biotech company.

Skills Developed:

• Strong understanding of biotechnology and molecular diagnostics, with practical exposure to stem cell banking and DNA-based testing.
• Solid understanding of the operations of a modern laboratory in a biotech company.
• Knowledge of the continuous innovation and research processes in a leading biotechnology organisation.

🏥 Jun 2015 - Jul 2015 (1 month)

Summer Internship at Ygia Polyclinic Private Hospital, Cyprus

I gained invaluable experience and honed my practical skills by shadowing the dedicated nursing staff and resident doctors. Through completing 100 hours of clinical rotations across a range of departments, I developed a comprehensive understanding of hospital operations and patient care.

Key Experiences:

• Clinical Rotations: Gained exposure to diverse medical settings, including the Paediatric ward, Medical Oncology Centre, Surgical ward, Laboratory Department, Radiology Department, Intensive Treatment Unit, Casualty, and Endoscopy.
• Patient Communication: Learned how to effectively communicate with patients in a medical environment, ensuring their comfort and understanding of treatment procedures.
• Practical Skills: Enhanced my practical abilities in various areas of patient care. This included measuring vital signs, giving intramuscular injections, implementing principles of infection control, and safely handling and mobilising patients.
• Laboratory Skills: Developed skills in performing urinalysis and urine culture, as well as monitoring blood glucose levels.

Notable Achievements:

• Successfully completed 100 hours of clinical rotations across eight different departments, showcasing my adaptability and eagerness to learn.
• Developed strong practical skills, particularly in patient care and laboratory procedures, which will serve as a solid foundation for my future career.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, learning to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals in a fast-paced hospital environment.

Skills Developed:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly and compassionately explain medical procedures to patients.
• Strong practical skills in various areas of patient care and laboratory procedures.
• Adaptability and eagerness to learn, as demonstrated by successful clinical rotations in multiple departments.
• Comprehensive understanding of infection control principles and patient safety measures.

👩‍⚕️ Sep 2012 - Apr 2013 (8 months)

Internship as a Child Therapist Assistant the Child Development Centre "To Alma", Cyprus

The centre provides comprehensive Early Childhood Intervention services for children aged 0-6 with developmental delays, diagnosed disabilities, or significant risks of delay, fostering their overall growth and development while supporting their families during the critical early years.

Responsibilities:

• Shadowed Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists, understanding their unique methodologies and approaches.
• Assisted in providing early childhood intervention services to children aged 0-6 with developmental delays, diagnosed disabilities, or at risk of delay.
• Contributed to the family-centric approach of the centre, facilitating parent involvement in therapeutic and educational decision making.

Skills Developed:

• Multi-disciplinary understanding of child therapy interventions.
• Knowledge in speech, occupational, and paediatric physical therapy.
• Competence in providing support and guidance to families.
• Familiarity with the assessment and therapeutic intervention processes.

Achievements:

• Successfully contributed to a multidisciplinary team focused on improving the quality of life for children and their families.
• Gained comprehensive understanding of the role of ECI in child development.
• Developed practical skills and theoretical knowledge in child therapy, which prepared me for a future career in the field.