What were your reasons for taking on a postgraduate degree?
I have always been interested in biotech due to my roles in waste management (recycling). I then decided to go back to college and pursue a qualification in the field. That’s how my journey started.
How did you make the decision to study at Strathclyde?
I went to Strathclyde for an open day, as a requirement for the college course I was doing at the time. During the tours of the labs, I was very impressed by what I saw and heard. I then decided to join the University for my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology and carried on with the Masters in Industrial Biotechnology after.
What do you like about your course and Strathclyde?
The course is very intense and helps you become adept at managing pressure and prioritising tasks in order of importance (based on the deadlines). Exposure to industry is also another great thing about the course, achieved by bringing in guest lecturers who are professionals in the field and an industrial placement. The student gets to see how the module's academic information can be applied in a ‘real-world’ setting.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed whilst studying the course?
I have learnt how to design and run my own experiments (this is number 1 on the list by far). I have also been introduced to coding language (Python) and can promote myself professionally through social media tools like LinkedIn.
What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?
I would ultimately like to set up my own enterprise within the biotech space. My time at Strathclyde has made me appreciate the painstaking effort required for such a venture and how it more or less depends on working with others, where different skill sets can be orchestrated to achieve an overall goal (in the form of a product). Working with others (from experts to novices) is absolutely crucial.
How have you found your time living in Glasgow and what's your favourite thing about the city?
I loved and still love Glasgow to bits. Cliché as it sounds, people are the best thing about that city. There’s nothing like the hospitality, openness and kindness of a Glaswegian in the UK. The architecture is quite awesome as well. Unfortunately, I had to move due to a job offer, but the warmth (ironic as that sounds) of Glasgow is forever with me and I hope to move back there someday.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to study in Glasgow at Strathclyde?
Do it! If you put in the work as far as your studies, you won’t regret it. Best thing I ever did for myself, only second to getting married.
