Personal Statement
UCL and Birkbeck’s reputation for excellence in science, specifically in molecular biology and infectious diseases, makes this four-year PhD programme on the fundamental mechanisms of disease the ideal start to my scientific career. Undertaking my doctoral training in this environment will give me the best conceivable means to develop my research interests in virus-host interactions on a molecular scale.
I have both the academic ability and commitment to enjoy and be highly successful as a PhD student and in my subsequent career as a scientific investigator. I immensely enjoyed my BSc in Biomedical Sciences at University College London (UCL), which culminated in a first class honours degree. My research experience so far
…show more content…
I found the simultaneous simplicity and complexity of viruses purely fascinating, as an understanding of viral pathogenesis is an excellent way to understand human biology due to the intimate relationship a virus has with its host cell. I find it amazing how these interactions play a crucial role in the evolution of viruses and also ourselves as we both attempt to keep up with one another. This interest led me to undertake a master’s programme in Immunology & Infection at UCL. The decision to take this course was driven by the fact that it is perfectly tailored to my specific interests and because I wanted to undertake a research project in virology, which will be for three months beginning April 2016. My passion for both virology and immunology makes the ‘Theme 1 – Fundamental Mechanisms of Disease’ track within the PhD program the ideal fit for me. The diversity of topics available within this theme, including immunology, regenerative medicine, stem cells and genetics greatly appeals to me and combines a number of my interests. I have a fascination with the topic of immunity and how pathogens can subvert this as I find it truly incredible that viruses, which comprise of a handful of open reading frames, have the ability to exploit, hijack and overcome something as complex as a human. I also took great interest in my final year module on stem cells and how we can potentially use these in