(Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation MSc, 2019)
My main goal in life is to use my knowledge and expertise in botany and bioinformatics to create meaningful and impactful solutions for the climate/environmental challenges facing the human populace in contemporary times.
Tell us about your motivation to study MSc Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation at Queen Mary University of London.My motivation stemmed from the unique opportunity the programme at Queen Mary offered to study at one of the world’s best botanical gardens. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is widely spoken of in the botanical and biological science world. When I saw the course offered by Queen Mary, besides the fact that this was the career course I was pursuing, I knew I could not pass up the opportunity that both Queen Mary University and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew had to offer.How did you know the course and university was right for you?Before attending Queen Mary in the Fall of 2018, I had gone through the curriculum of the programme and compared it with similar courses elsewhere. This comparison exercise confirmed to me that the course content was what I wanted. All of the individual course modules were important for my career advancement, so I decided that the programme at Queen Mary was right for me.With Queen Mary University of London being renowned for quality research in the UK, and my passion for science and research, I knew that Queen Mary was right for me. I also wanted to be in London for my studies, therefore, Queen Mary was indeed my dream university. And I was right - the skills I gained while undertaking my dissertation at Queen Mary not only prepared me for my current research, but they also gave me an edge whilst applying for my current PhD.Tell us more about your current research and what you hope to achieve upon completion.My research is investigating how a group of plants diversified in the North American continent around 3 million years ago using molecular data, spatial data, and artificial intelligence. Upon completion, I intend to work in a biotech research company; the knowledge I will have gained from my degree and PhD combined, will equip me with all the skills and expertise needed to work successfully in such a company.
With Queen Mary University of London being renowned for quality research in the UK, and my passion for science and research, I knew that Queen Mary was right for me. I also wanted to be in London for my studies, therefore, Queen Mary was indeed my dream university.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to prospective students who are considering studying the same degree as you?I would advise prospective students to apply for the programme on time, and to take advantage of bursaries if they are available. The Kew/Queen Mary bursary for systematics is one of the many bursaries that can be explored while applying to the programme. The programme is also tailored to suit a wide range of careers, therefore, people who want to take up a career in bioinformatics, genomics, chemistry, biological sciences, research labs, government agencies, etc. can confidently apply to the programme knowing that they will be a step closer to their dream career.
For those who would like to explore further research opportunities after their degree, what factors should they consider in their journey? The choice of dissertation topic matters a lot, this should be taken into consideration while considering the project options which would be provided to them during the last week of the Fall Semester.Outside of your research, what are you most likely to be found doing?
Outside of research, I love going on a hike for exercise and to see the beautiful outdoors, and in the winter, when I cannot be outdoors, I love to be indoors playing scrabble with friends.
Finally, what are some of your goals in life?