Meet some of our Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells MSc students and read about their experiences at NHLI.

Harriet Ashley - MSc Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells – Novel Therapies

Could you share a module, a project or a session from the MSc that has had the biggest impact on your career aspirations?

One of my favourite parts about the course is the fact that for every session in each module, we have a guest speaker from a different department or institution, and this has helped me network and open my mind to a range of diverse perspectives. One of the most impactful lectures we had was about the application of artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry, delivered by Dr. Andrée Bates from Eularis. The session explored how AI is transforming the drug development pipeline, from target identification and molecule design to clinical trial optimisation and regulatory processes and introduced me to new fascinating concepts like digital twins. Seeing strong female leadership in a highly technical field also reinforced the importance of representation in STEM. This has motivated me to pursue a career in innovative, technology-driven areas of the pharmaceutical industry.

How would you describe the community within the MSc programme? What makes it stand out?

The MSc course has a very strong community with regular socials held by the course reps every month. The staff are also very approachable and welcome any questions during or after lectures. One thing that stood out comparing to undergrad was how much more discussion is encouraged in class rather than passive learning, allowing the students and staff to learn from one another. Since starting my master’s project at a company, I have not felt disconnected from the course. My imperial supervisor still catches up with me regularly and there is also a range of events scheduled during the project phase such as an interim project presentation and a course cohort picnic!

Receiving the Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells Scholarship must have been a great moment! What did it mean to you, and what top tips would you share with future applicants who are planning for MSc study?

Funnily enough, I received the email that I’d been awarded the NHLI scholarship while I was working over the summer in London to save up for my master’s. Imperial attracts students from a multitude of backgrounds, and I soon learnt that not everyone has the same appreciation when it comes to finances. As someone who has worked throughout sixth form and during exam seasons, money was something that I thought about a lot and I suffered from quite bad imposter syndrome at the start of university. Whilst I was lucky enough to have support from family, I still had to support myself for general living expenses and costs. My top tips for funding an MSc study would be to apply for the full student loan from student finance England if you are a home student as it is not means-tested for postgraduate study. When you’re applying for courses, remember to check if the department offers their own internal scholarship for that course as well as checking what scholarships or bursaries the university offers and if you’re eligible to apply.

In terms of budgeting for your living expenses whilst studying your master’s, my best advice would be to get a summer job or internship and save up before you start the course. Imperial also offers plenty of student-friendly job opportunities during term time with very good pay. Some of these roles include being a student ambassador, a welcome ambassador, working as a graduate training assistant (GTA), working at the union bar or part time tutoring (and much more!)

If you experience any financial stress during your master’s programme, Imperial has plenty of services to help you deal with this including counselling services to help you navigate your options as well as a hardship fund which you can also apply for during term time for unexpected circumstances.

What advice would you give to students who are considering applying but feel unsure if this is the right programme for them?

If you’re interested in working in any aspect of advanced medicinal therapeutics such as cell and gene therapies, regenerative medicine, organ printing, tissue engineering, monoclonal antibody therapies or neurotechnology, then this course is for you. Whether you want to learn more about the intricacies of the science behind these therapies, or you’re interested more in the IP, commercialisation and distribution of these therapies, then this course covers both aspects in detail in the first six months. In the last six months, you will undertake an integrated research project. This can either be a laboratory project based at Imperial, a placement in industry or an international project at another university. The connections of the course offer so many opportunities with industry partners and university partners.

The course also attracts people from different backgrounds including biology, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacology and engineering, so don’t be afraid to apply regardless of your background!

Abhiram Chakka - MSc Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells – Novel Therapies

 

Why did you choose your course?

I was really interested in stem cells, so I searched stem cell courses online and Imperial came up as a high-ranking university. My thinking was that if you go to a good-rank university, you get good people and friends out of it. And I believe that it is the people around you who push you forward and would push me out of my comfort zone. That's why I'm here. 

What was a highlight of the course?  

My favourite part was working in the labs, as you have more freedom.

What was your favourite thing about Imperial?

As you have different campuses, it inevitably means that you get to go across London, and see different areas of London,  which is a good thing.

What are you planning to do after finishing your course?

At the beginning of this course, I didn't want to do a PhD. But now that I've started working in a very good lab it has inspired me to do a PhD potentially. And also, along with that, I'm even interested in healthcare consultancy. So anything related with healthcare or life sciences consultancy.

 

Angela Giarrizzo - MSc Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells – Novel Therapies

 

Why did you choose your course? 

During my neuroscience degree, I developed a passion for the exciting field of brain and spinal cord regeneration. For this reason, as a continuation of my studies, I chose the postgraduate programme in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells at the NHLI. Of all the options, I chose this particular programme not only because it allows me to learn about both the scientific and the commercial aspects of stem cells and regenerative therapies, but also because it allows me to broaden my knowledge by learning about current developments in pharmacology and gene therapy.  

How have you found the programme so far?

I am so enjoying this programme! Lectures are delivered by world-leading experts whose passion for what they do is tangible and transmissible. I also appreciate the assessments as they truly prepare you for what comes after your studies.  

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?  

I see myself researching possible ways to promote neural regeneration and travelling the world in my free time. 

 

Charlotte Hutchings - MSc Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells – Novel Therapies

 

Why did you choose your course? 

When I completed my BSc in Biological Sciences, I was a little stuck on where to go next because my interests are relatively broad. I love genetics and cell biology but ultimately want to go into cancer research and therapeutics. Finding the MSc Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells was a blessing because it really allows me to combine all three of these. The course is unique in that you have the opportunity to study three completely different fields, all whilst gaining relevant skills. You can follow the path that most suits your future plans. 

How have you found the programme so far?

I've loved the course so far, and I honestly mean that. We are being introduced to current, innovative topics in the field and most of the lecturers are really engaging. I also really appreciate the assessments because they're 'authentic' and you can really feel yourself learning skills that can be applied in real life scenarios.   

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?  

Well, I have just sent off some PhD applications to the US, where PhD programmes are on average five to seven years. So maybe I will have just completed my PhD? I guess time will tell. All I hope is that I'm happy and doing well, personally and professionally.