We are excited to introduce you to our 2026 BiPS summer students. These talented undergraduate students have been awarded funding to undertake a summer internship in a UK research lab. Phoebe Allen’s placement was made possible thanks to the support of the Gastby Foundation, Nalo Magar’s placements made possible through a partnership with PoLNet and Tinotenda Matemara’s placement was made possible through partnership with the Bartlett Group at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU). Thank you to every that applied and to all the labs that offered to host students.
Phoebe Allen
Hi, my name is Phoebe. I study Global Sustainable development at the University of Warwick. My longstanding passion for environmental justice and the fundamentals plant biology is what drove me to apply for this studentship. In future I hope to be a force for trans-disciplinary snd sustainable solutions to food security issues, by harnessing crop improvement technology to modify staple foods like rice and maize. I have lead and participated in a number of sustainability campaigns about agro-ecology and conservation which were very enjoyable for me. Aside from academics, I love to dance, cook and rollerskate!
Phoebe will be supervised by Kumud Saini and Sarah Robinson at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University.
Nalo Magar
Hello, my name is Nalo Magar and I am currently an undergraduate Biology student at the University of York. My curiosity for biology developed through exploring emerging technologies in bioengineering, particularly how cellular processes can be harnessed to develop new therapeutics. I am especially drawn to the potential of plant-based systems to contribute to human health, including how bioactive compounds from African medicinal plants could be used to improve treatment accessibility and address disparities in treatment outcomes for African women.
I am particularly fascinated by cell signalling and developmental biology, and how these processes operate in plants. I find it compelling how plants coordinate growth and respond to their environment through local signalling, offering a unique perspective on how cells communicate and function collectively. During my studentship, I am excited to gain hands-on experience and develop the foundational skills needed to contribute to research that improves health outcomes.
Beyond my academic work, I am strongly committed to improving access to education and reducing inequalities in academia. Through my role with the University of York Black Access Programme, I have had the honour of guiding Black students through tailored mentoring and work to address barriers they may face when applying to university, particularly within predominantly white institutions.
Nalo will be supervised by Paola Asprilla and Alexander Jones at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University.
Tinotenda Matemera
My name is Tinotenda Matemera and I am a second-year BSc Genetics student at the University of Essex.
My interest in plant science is rooted in its critical role in food security, sustainability, and climate resilience. This has motivated me to explore how plant genetics, bioinformatics, and gene editing can be applied to enhance crop resilience and address agricultural challenges, particularly in African regions that are heavily impacted by climate change and food insecurity.
I am especially drawn to plant genetics as it is an innovative and forward-looking field within plant science. It moves beyond the traditional study of plants to focus on understanding and improving how they function and adapt, using tools such as CRISPR, bioinformatics, and genomic analysis.
Outside of plant science, I engage in hobbies that allow me to be creative and decompress. I enjoy baking, where I can experiment with different recipes and ingredients to create both simple and more complex treats. I also enjoy arts and crafts, which provide an outlet for creativity through hands-on projects and design. These activities help me maintain balance, unwind from academic study, and keep my mind engaged in a different, more creative way.
Tinotenda will be supervised by Madelaine Bartlett at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University.