Ved Jan Kumar

Incoming Second Year Cambridge Natural Scientist | MRC PPU Summer Student

Exeter, England, United Kingdom

About

I am very driven towards the biochemical sciences, especially when applied at a fundamental level in key areas such as medicine. I aim to explore this further through my Natural Sciences degree at the University of Cambridge. Outside my studies, I have been involved in national campaigns for youth voice and empowerment, performed professionally as a jazz musician and have an avid personal interest in history and languages.

Experience

  • Summer Research Student at MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit
    Jul 2026 - Present · 1 mo

    Research student with funding from the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine. Working in the Kulathu lab under supervision by Ian Kelsall. Project aims to ascertain ubiquitin linkage specificity of the p97 unfoldase complex in vitro.

  • Co-Musical Director at Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra (CUJO)
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    Co-MD of the University of Cambridge's premier big band for the 2026-27 academic year; role includes arranging and composing repertoire, running rehearsals, guiding musical trajectory of the band for the season as well as a role on the committee

  • Duke of Edinburgh UK Youth Ambassador at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
    Jun 2023 - Jun 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

    - Political Advocacy: Engaged in political research surveys focusing on young people and collaborated on the creation of DCMS guidelines for engaging young people in policymaking. Hosted parliamentary reception for Youth Voices 2024, working with and facilitating conversations between young people and politicians from across the political spectrum, including MPs, crossbench peers, shadow ministers and the Mayor of London. - Public Speaking and Events: Represented the DofE at charity events, Gold Award celebrations and was invited back to my secondary school multiple times to give talks at DofE/Ten Tors events in my capacity as a Youth Ambassador. Co-hosted a charity event (This Is Youth Awards) and a youth conference (Youth Without Limits Live), hosted a parliamentary reception (Youth Voices 2024 reception).