CryoStore diary - Mafalda Almeida
March - November 2024 | INRAE Rennes, France
Wow, time really flies! I started my PhD in March 2024 as part of the CryoStore Project, where I’m investigating whether cryopreserving sperm leads to DNA methylation changes in two fish species—common carp and rainbow trout. I’m also exploring if these changes are passed on to the next generation and whether they’re linked to how the DNA is packaged differently in each species.
Despite being only 8 months since I started (crazy!), I’ve already experienced so much - both academically and personally. Let me give you a little taste of the adventure so far!
🐟Secondment #1 - Carp Experiments in Czech Republic: In April, just a month into my PhD, I packed my bags and headed to Vodňany for my first secondment with our CryoStore partners at the University of South Bohemia (USB). I spent an entire month (April to May) learning how to collect and cryopreserve carp sperm, prepare DNA samples from sperm and embryos, and master some seriously tricky lab techniques. It was stressful (first experiments always are, right?), but also thrilling. Plus, I made the most of my time there by exploring a bit of the beautiful Czech Republic in my free time!
Focusing in the lab
Gel electrophoresis
Exploring Prague
🌞 Round Two - Back for Summer School: Fast forward to July, and I was back in Vodňany for another month, this time for a summer school hosted by the university. While not directly tied to my PhD, I picked up skills in mitochondrial isolation, labelling, microinjection into zebrafish embryos, and more. It was a fantastic learning opportunity, and on the social side, I reconnected with friends from my first trip, met new students, and, of course, squeezed in some more sightseeing!
❄️ CryoStore Summer School in Hannover: Then came August and the CryoStore Summer School in Cryobiology at Leibniz University Hannover. This event, focused on cutting-edge cryobiology techniques, also covered transferable skills like time management, science communication, and intellectual property rights. But the real highlight? Bonding with my fellow CryoStore PhD candidates. We laughed, supported each other through the academic grind, and made lasting memories exploring Hannover together. I guess you could say I’m becoming quite an international traveller! ✈️
New friends
🥐Life in Rennes - My New Home: Since September, I’ve been back in Rennes, France, where I’ll be based until at least 2027. Rennes has become my new home, and I’ve been lucky to find wonderful people who brighten my days (shoutout to Elaine, Glenn, Francisca, and Marzieh for keeping me sane with all the coffee breaks, lunches, and weekend plans!). I’ve even managed to see some stunning spots around Bretagne, and my French? Let’s just say I can handle restaurant orders and bank visits... just don’t ask me for long sentences!
Mont-Saint-Michel
💻 Current Work - Bioinformatics Battles: Lately, I’ve been deep into bioinformatics—aka trying not to throw my computer out the window when things get tough—and gearing up for my next set of experiments, this time focusing on rainbow trout. It’s incredible to think about how much I’ve accomplished in under a year: travelling, mastering new lab and data analysis techniques, meeting amazing people, and learning the basics of a new language.
Despite the rainy Rennes weather (I do miss the Portuguese sun!), life is pretty good. I’ll keep everyone posted on my next adventures, both in the lab and with my French skills!
À bientôt!