With a Bachelor's degree in Life Science behind her, Elin Vikström had her sights set on something bigger. What she didn't realise at the time was that her career-defining move would benefit her in a much bigger way.
Elin Vikström in her lab at Uppsala University.
ImageElin VikströmIn 2018, Elin Vikström from Kalix came to Umeå to start her studies in Life Science. Already in secondary school, Elin Vikström became interested in biology and chemistry. The Bachelor's programme in Life Science stood out for her as the programme was broad and full of opportunities.
”I have long had an interest in chemistry and biology. So when I looked at different programmes, Life Science seemed like a good fit. The description on the programme page matched my interests so well.”
The three-year 180 ECTS Bachelor's programme in Life Science at Umeå University has many opportunities for students. Students on the programme can delve into everything from microbiology to biochemistry and learn all about cells, genetics and biological chemistry.
Why did you choose Umeå University?
”I really like it up north and Umeå University has such a good reputation. It was really both the city and the programme that attracted me, so it was nice that my expectations were met.”
And now you are in Uppsala and working. How does it feel and how did it happen?
”Well it feels really good. When I finished my Bachelor's degree, I knew that I wanted to study my Master's degree in medical biology, and then it was simply Uppsala University. Before graduating from Life Science, I also talked to my study counsellor who helped me with how to proceed.”
As mentioned, the Life Science programme allows students to immerse themselves in the study of life in many different ways. The academic years are structured in such a way that students learn the basics in the first academic year, and then immerse themselves in different parts intended for further specialisation.
In the third and final year, students can choose what they want to specialise in for most of the courses, and finally write a degree project to demonstrate what they have learned during their studies. During their studies, students also take part in many practical exercises and labs. It was during these parts that Elin Vikström enjoyed her studies the most, especially the section on genetics.
"I think the most fun thing we did was that we had to propagate fruit flies in order to be able to observe and influence their genetic code. That taught me a lot about how genetics works. Then we did a lab in cell biology where we studied cancer cell lines and different stages of the cell cycle. It gave me many lessons about how cells work and has also influenced my work today as I work with cells in a similar way here at Uppsala University.”
With her Bachelor's and Master's degree behind her, Elin Vikström is now in the middle of her doctoral studies at Uppsala University, at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Neurooncology and Neurodegeneration. She explains a typical day as fun with many different elements such as going to the gym, being in her lab working with cells, reading new literature and participating in ongoing experiments at the university.
"My work now with my PhD involves being part of different research groups. Right now I am studying different cellular mechanisms in brain tumour cell lines. Then I am involved in teaching at the university as well, which I will focus on some next year.”
What will Elin Vikström be doing in 10 years?
”In 10 years, I will hopefully have finished my PhD and be a full-time researcher.”
What tips do you have for students who are interested in Life Science?
”My best tip is to try! If you already have an interest in chemistry and biology, Life Science may be right for you. Then it is important to participate in the social part of the studies. You learn a lot from your friends and classmates.”
Read more about the Bachelor's programme in Life Science
Age: 24.
Comes from: Kalix, Norrbotten.
Education: Bachelor’s programme in Life Science, Umeå University, graduated in 2021.
Hobbies: Exercise, being in nature, knitting.
Family: Mum and three siblings.
Umeå in three words: Close to nature, cosy, student-friendly.
Umeå University with three words: Cohesion, welcoming, fun.
Interview: Hampus Norén
