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Although born and raised in New Delhi, India, I have been fortunate to have had a chance to learn science in different countries at different stages in my education. Indeed, each experience has been distinct and very rewarding.
During the final year of my undergraduate degree in biotechnology at the University of Northumbria, England, I was involved in a research project that sought to establish an etiological relationship between Cryptococcus neoformans and Pigeon Fanciers Lung disease. The latter is the most common form of extrinsic allergic alveolitis in England and our study aimed to investigate whether exposure to this fungus contributes significantly to the development of the disease. This experience was an exposure not only to scientific techniques and protocols but also to the thinking process that goes into planning research. It was my stint at Northumbria that really motivated me to carve my career in the research field.
My next endeavor was Drexel University, where I joined the Bioscience and Biotechnology department as a graduate (masters) student. America has been the pioneer of path-breaking scientific research for much time now and the opportunities provided for those who aspire to explore this field are vast; both these factors collectively drew me to further my education in this country.
While in the midst of my first year in the department, I got a chance to rotate in the laboratory of Dr. Navas-Martin at DUCOM. I was immediately impressed with both the scope and the quality of research being done in her lab. Of particular interest to me was the investigation of the role of innate immunity in Hepatitis C virus infections. This prompted me to apply for a doctoral program in the Microbiology and Immunology department.
My ultimate professional goal is to work in the R&D section of a reputed pharmaceutical firm where I can apply the knowledge and experience that I will gain during this program
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