Science Course Ambassador

After completing my undergraduate degree, I wanted to gain more knowledge and enhance my laboratory skills as my ambition was to become a cancer researcher. Therefore, I wanted to do a masters that is more related to cancer and pathology which narrowed my choice of study to cellular pathology.

• During my search I found only 3-4 Universities that had cellular pathology as a MSc programme. Out of the other Universities Middlesex had a variety of modules that could aid to enhance my knowledge and achieve my goals. In addition, I had a friend who was studying at the university and he told me that the staff are very helpful and friendly. All these points helped me to choose Middlesex University.
• When I wanted to do my PhD, I chose Middlesex as I knew all my supervisors very well (they are like my family) and I was familiar with other staff members, university facilities and laboratory equipment. Therefore, MDX was an obvious choice for me.

The course is well structured and well organised allowing all students to gain more knowledge in respective areas and enhance laboratory skills.

Mainly it is the staff. They are so friendly, flexible and always there to help and guide you. Also, the location of the university, as it is close to central London.

The Sheppard’s library (3rd floor). This is a silent area with an amazing view which allows you to concentrate and study. Plus, the printing is free and it is easy to access research articles and preferred books.

Actually, there are few places I like to relax on campus such as the MDX house, Grove building, the Quad (College building) and the cancer labs.

The diversity. Regardless of your cultural background everyone is treated equally. In addition, London has a lot of opportunities for academic and professionals in their respective areas.

Before advanced level studies I wanted to become a doctor and help the community. Time and reading books changed my goals as I wanted to become a scientist and find a cure for a disease. However, after completing my degree I want to become a cancer researcher and a lecturer.

Dr. Lucy Ghali. She is my director of studies for my PhD and the programme leader of my master’s degree and she has been a second mother to me since the start of my masters.

Initially, you have to know what your ambitions are and what subject you want to pursue that will aid in deciding the course you want to do. Then look into the future aspects and see if the course modules will help you to develop yourself as a professional. Finally, once you get in, plan your studies and do not leave anything until the last minute.

• During my master’s degree, I had lectures only on Wednesdays and Thursdays (10am- 6pm). For the rest of the week I went to the library to prepare myself for lectures. I also read more books and research papers that were related to my lectures that would enhance my knowledge and prepare me for exams and assignments.
• Currently, in my PhD, I am in the laboratory about 5 to 6 days a week (depending on my experiments) while concentrating on my write up. In addition, I voluntarily teach undergraduate students on Thursdays and Fridays and help my supervisors with their work. On Friday evening I attend the university cricket practice (7pm-10pm) and I am involved in many other activities.

During my master’s degree the most pleasurable period was the exam period and assignment period as all of my colleagues (6 students from 6 different countries) got together and we studied and did assignments like a team. It was fun working together and we made sure everyone understood each section that needed to be studied for the exam.