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Uncovering Student Stereotypes: Biology & Medical Laboratory Research student

Aila Kubat Uncovering Student Stereotypes

Five students from different studies share their thoughts on students they never met. ‘A very intelligent person who probably doesn’t have the most exciting social life’ is the first thing that came to mind when the students thought of a Biology & Medical Laboratory Research student. But is this true?

The stereotypical Biology & Medical Laboratory Research student
In the eyes of the interviewed students, the Biology & Medical Laboratory Research student is an intelligent person who:

  • ‘Does not go out much and rather stays inside watching Netflix’
  • ‘Wants to work at a laboratory and wants to solve problems about climate change’
  • ‘Chose their study because of the high starting salary’
  • ‘Is shy and introverted, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing’

The student behind the stereotype
How much did the students get right? Maartje Felix is in her second year of studying Biology & Medical Laboratory Research at the Hanze UAS.  Does she stay home watching Netflix most of the time? ‘Staying in and watching Netflix is absolutely fun. But I’d rather go out to party.’ When Maartje read the stereotype about what she wants to do in the future, she laughed. ‘My plans for my future career after my studies have absolutely nothing to do with climate change. I want to work in a lab where I can work together with doctors to help them uncover what is wrong with a patient so they can get the help they need.’

My plans for my future career after my studies have absolutely nothing to do with climate change

Maartje also laughed when her high starting salary is mentioned. ‘I totally didn’t choose my study because of that. I’ve always been interested in the medical world, but being close to patients just wasn’t in the cards for me.’ So, is Maartje shy and introverted? ‘Everything but! I find collaboration and teamwork between me and the people around me in the lab super important. A crucial part of it is that you are able to explain yourself and your arguments.’