Dr James LaCourse

Lecturer in Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

"Having been to Aberystwyth many times as a child and having enjoyed the friendly town and beautiful Ceredigion countryside I was in no doubt about which university I wanted to visit first. After the informative tour and friendly welcome from staff and students, I was sure that the student-centred approach at AU would suit me. Seems I was right… although I planned to stay in Aber for three years to complete my BSc in Biochemistry, I ended up staying on to complete a PhD too – I liked it so much!

Even now, many years later with my work having taken me away to Liverpool, I’m still in touch with friends from AU and maintain valuable research collaborations with IBERS staff. It’s important to realise that support and connections with AU can continue way beyond the initial study. I know that the friends and colleagues I first met at Aber have certainly helped me in my career at various points and no doubt will continue to do so in the future. … in fact, just talking about Aber again has got me thinking I need to sort another little trip there to visit a few old friends and colleagues!"