Why did you choose to study a Masters by Research at the University of Aberdeen?
After I finished my undergraduate degree, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do next. I had enjoyed my undergraduate research project and I was interested in working for a pharmaceutical company at some point but didn't want to go into the commercial side of the industry. I also knew that I didn't want to do a taught Masters and I wanted to gain some practical knowledge and skills.
What did you do your project on and why did you pick this topic?
My project was on understanding the mechanism by which macrophages kill Salmonella Typhi, the bacteria that causes typhoid fever. I picked this topic as I had an interest in infectious diseases and it would build upon the knowledge I gained in my undergraduate degree. The other reason was that after speaking to Stefania, the principal investigator, I was truly inspired by her and her passion and drive as a young, high-achieving scientist.
What did you enjoy most about your Masters?
I enjoyed several things about doing my Masters, but the things I enjoyed most were working in the lab and diving a bit deeper into a specific area of research.
How has your Masters by Research helped you in your career?
The Masters by Research gave me an excellent set of practical and theoretical skills and comprehensive understanding of working in a lab environment, which I wouldn't have been able to develop had I completed a 'traditional' Master. A couple of weeks before completing my thesis I was offered a position at a biotech company, where I worked as a Research Scientist for just over a year. I have since moved away from science and I am now working in the third sector with healthcare professionals from across the UK with a focus on Public Health.
What did you enjoy most about living and studying in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is my hometown, so it was nice to be back and to be closer to my family and friends.
Sarah Kamli-Salino
Why did you choose to study a Masters by Research at the University of Aberdeen?
I came to Aberdeen in 2016 when I originally planned to do an MSci. After a couple of months of lectures, one of my professors saw how keen I was in learning more and doing more hands-on experiments. He suggested that I should approach Professor Mirela Delibegovic and ask if I could shadow her team. I was surprised how easy it was to approach professors at the University of Aberdeen, and how keen they are to give you an opportunity and their support to learn more about their field of research. I felt that the University of Aberdeen is a place where everything is possible.
What did you do your project on and why did you pick this topic?
During my undergraduate time in Aberdeen I was volunteered in Professor Mirela Delibegovic's lab where I was involved in many aspects of research in diabetes and related diseases. I was then awarded a vacation studentship from Alzheimer Research UK to support a summer placement in 2017 when I worked on the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The project was continued during my honours project in 2018. I developed a strong interest in the inflammatory response which is a key player in metabolic disorders such as diabetes, dementia and cardiovascular diseases.
I have developed a strong interest for the inflammatory response, a key player in metabolic disorders such as diabetes, dementia and cardiovascular diseases and this gave me the opportunity to do my Masters by Researach on how the inhibition of PTP1B, an actor in low chronic inflammation, can improve diabetes and cardiovascular health.
What did you enjoy most about your Masters?
I enjoyed being the master of my project (no pun intended!). Although I was given directions and advice from my supervisor in the first months, I had the chance to design my experiments and lead my project independently. Not only I have confirmed my laboratory skills, but also my project management, work organisation and presentation. Thanks to the Masters programme, I have become a full member of the University of Aberdeen research community.
How has your Masters by Research helped you in your career?
Masters by Research is the best first opportunity to live the life of a researcher. This one year degree allowed me to not only confirm my will to do a PhD in the field of metabolic diseases, but also to boost my chance of being awarded a PhD studentship.
What did you enjoy most about living and studying in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is a beautiful city full of history. There is always something to discover while walking in the street. And if I ever get tired of the grey Granite City, I go for a walk in one of the city parks, the beach or visit the National Park nearby. Also, I have always dreamt of living next to the sea. It is with a great pleasure that I go to work and contemplate the sea from my office window when I need to reflect on my work.
