What was the application process like for the University of Southampton?
Through my academic and professional experience, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in bioinformatics. It was in late July 2021 that I began looking for master’s programs to further my education in this field, and I found a program at the University of Southampton that really caught my interest.
Places were awarded based on the applicants’ proficiency in English, academic excellence, and character. At the time, there were only a few spots left and the application period was about to end, but I decided to apply anyway. With just a few days left before the application deadline, I had to complete all the necessary steps, from writing essays to taking an English exam. It all happened very quickly. I applied, and by the following week I had been selected, had received a scholarship for academic excellence, and was traveling abroad.
What does winning the MSc Genomics Prize—in recognition of your performance during your master’s program—mean to you?
An incredible sense of accomplishment. This award is given to the student in the graduating class with the highest academic achievement. It was very rewarding to realize that, despite facing a new educational system—taught in English—and a culture so different from our own, my academic preparation was up to the standards of a top-tier university.
How did you feel your level of knowledge was when you started college?
I felt very well prepared, both theoretically and practically. My internships at the university and my three years of industry experience were key to putting all the theoretical knowledge I gained during the master’s program into practice.
What are your plans now that you've finished your master's degree?
I currently work as a bioinformatician at a company in London that uses artificial intelligence for drug design and development in the field of oncology. During my master’s thesis, I collaborated with this company to identify genes involved in the development of esophageal cancer for the design of targeted therapies. Today, I am part of the team working to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets through a multi-omic approach and artificial intelligence.