Meet Dr Szymon W. Manka
What course do you teach on and what is your role?
I am Co-Lead for the Molecular Basis of Human Disease stream for the MRes in Biomedical Research.
How has your career led you to teaching?
A deep understanding of any scientific subject has always brought me a sense of genuine satisfaction and joy. Throughout my academic journey, which included several shifts across various biomedical research fields, I found myself motivated to share that excitement, whether it was from grasping a complex concept or developing new ideas. This impulse naturally led me towards teaching, as I see it as a fulfilling way to pass on not only knowledge but also the enthusiasm that meaningful research brings. The satisfaction I gain from productive and enriching research experiences is further amplified when students respond with their own moments of understanding. Over time, this motivation to communicate and inspire has become an important part of my professional life.
What aspect of the course do you enjoy teaching the most?
I enjoy the interactive teaching sessions in my own subject (prion biology and neurodegeneration within the MBHD stream) and advising on the grant writing exercise.
What do you hope your students will go on to achieve on completion of this course?
I hope that all graduates of this course gain strong interdisciplinary and transferable skills, enabling them to excel in PhD programmes, research roles in industry, clinical practice, and academia. The primary aim is to prepare future leaders in biomedical science, equipping students not only with advanced scientific knowledge but also with essential professional skills such as grant writing, peer review, data analysis, and science communication.
What is your favorite part about teaching at Imperial College London?
Every cohort of students at Imperial is brilliant. It is a privilege to work with such talented minds and to watch them grow, achieve, and make an impact both during and after the course.