ISSI 2023 Guest Blogger Clodagh Nangle
Each year we ask UK students who have taken part in the Dr Bessie Lawrence International Summer Science Institute (ISSI) to write a guest blog to reflect on the month they spent in Israel working as part of a research team alongside scientists at the Weizmann Institute. Outside of lab time students explore Israel while forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Clodagh Nangle went to Methodist College, Belfast.
Clodagh Nangle's ISSI experience
In truth, if I had known that I was going to be accepted onto the ISSI programme when I had applied, I may have never been able to gather the courage to submit the form. It wasn't just the Imposter Syndrome talking - I had never particularly enjoyed being outside of my comfort zone. I knew that was something that needed to change, and when I heard about the opportunity it was that determination that caused me to seize it.
I was lucky. Lucky to get in and even luckier to get to go. It's difficult to put into words what exactly the ISSI program means to me; however, what I know for certain was that it was an extraordinary experience that I will never forget (or regret) being a part of.
At the core of this experience lies the project. Upon hearing the project title, I had initially panicked because we were supposed to be designing antiviral compounds and at this stage I hadn't touched a biology textbook in two years! These worries were quickly proved unfounded as it turns out the project was based around computational chemistry, and our wonderful mentor was there to explain any unfamiliar terms. Working with a group of strangers on an intensive academic project straight after A-level exams may not sound like a fun way to spend your summer holidays, but I assure you there isn't a more rewarding or enjoyable way to use that time. Other academic highlights included a lecture on ribosomes by Nobel Prize winner Ada Yonath, and an enthralling talk on the Antikythera Mechanism followed by a stargazing session.
However, we didn't spend all our time working. There were weekend trips that allowed us to see Israel beyond the campus perimeter. We visited Jerusalem and the Galilee, and although I could spend hours talking about the sites that we visited nothing I say could do them justice as they really are something you have to experience for yourself. The Bahai Gardens in Haifa were genuinely breath-taking, and I don't think I will ever forget the moment I first saw them.
Of course, there was the unforgettable five-day desert excursion. This was the thing that was looked forward to with the most apprehension, as very few were looking forward to hiking for hours under the blazing desert sun. Thankfully, this was avoided by some very early starts and any grumbling about having to wake up at three in the morning to climb a mountain were quickly silenced by the beautiful sunrises we could see once we reached the summit. As well as staying in a kibbutz and visiting the dead sea, we also got to enjoy a communal meal together in a Bedouin campsite before camping in the Massage. There were no tents for the night we spent outside in the desert, which allowed us to see the stars. I had never been able to see them so clearly before, as there was no light pollution, and I counted several shooting stars before I drifted off. Nobody got much sleep, but it was worth it!
A major part of what made ISSI so amazing was the people. The chance to interact with people our own age who share similar interests and enthusiasm, all whilst experiencing an entirely different culture was incredible. Everyone brought different, new and exciting perspectives to the table and as a result many fascinating discussions were had.
So if anyone is reading this wondering if they should apply for this programme, I only have two words to say: do it! Even if you are unsure or worried or don't believe you are good enough, ISSI is such an extraordinary experience that if you don't at least try then you're almost guaranteed to regret it.
Besides, you might just surprise yourself.
More information about the Bessie Lawrence Summer Scheme.