Rebecca Blenkinsop: Plant Science

Rebecca Blenkinsop completed a five week paid internship in Plant Science, learning how to control the levels of nitrate in beetroot juice, so that this could later be used by Sports Science for an investigation into the effects of nitrate in athletic performance.

First year student Rebecca Blenkinsop worked under the supervision of Senior Lecturer Dr Marieke Bloemink learning how to make buffers and dilutions.  These were used to control the levels of nitrate within beetroot juice.  Nitrate Oxide (NO) is produced naturally by our bodies but this can be increased by consuming nitrate rich foods, such as beetroot.  There have been quite a few studies carried out to investigate the effects of beetroot on athletic performance.  It has been found to increase the blood flow to the muscles making it easier to produce energy while also maintaining blood pressure and controlling muscle contractions.

When asked about the benefits of the internship she said, it gave her valuable experience and taught her further skills that can be applied within the following years of her study.