Testimonials

Nationality: Malaysian

Current Employer: Baker & McKenzie, Malaysia (operated by Wong & Partners) (www.bakernet.com)

Currently, I am undergoing my pupillage to qualify as a lawyer in Malaysia. My area of practice is mainly corporate and commercial.

Testimonial:

I graduated in November 2007 with a PhD in Pharmaceutics, thesis-titled “Needle-less Skin Immunisation using Low-Frequency Ultrasound under the supervision of Dr. Sudax Murdan and Professor Oya Alpar.

Briefly, our research focused on the investigation of the use and optimisation of ultrasound technology in the low frequency range to facilitate the delivery of large proteins and vaccines across the skin. We also studied the physical alterations to the skin upon ultrasound exposure.

Pursuing my PhD at the School, I feel, was the right choice as it is an institution, apart from its strategic location in the heart of London, which offers both internationally recognised degrees with faculty members who are leading experts in the area of pharmaceutical sciences and an unparalleled access and exposure to academics and resources within the University of London consortium.

While I cannot dispute that PhD is certainly the one of the most academically and emotionally challenging academic degree, the excellent support I have received from the School’s postgraduate society, the faculty and administration staff has made the whole journey somewhat more palatable. In my research, I like the fact that I was given the independence and freedom to explore, express, develop and incorporate my own original ideas into the research project.

I particularly enjoyed attending the numerous educational seminars, training and activities organised by the School for the postgraduates. In addition, I felt that studying at the School has provided with ample opportunities to broaden my network of friends from around the world.

Despite my hectic schedule in the laboratory, I managed to complete a part time conversion law degree in London and then proceeded to read the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn before qualifying as a barrister in July 2007.

Clearly, I survived the PhD, so can you!

Nationality: Mexican

Testimonial:

I finished my PhD at the Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy at the School of Pharmacy in 2005 working with Professor Michael Heinrich. My research focused on the isolation of active compounds from plants used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Alcalá, Spain, working on cell culture and testing drugs with anticancer properties. As an overseas postgraduate student, I can confidently say that the School of Pharmacy is a high quality institution, which helped me to develop my skills as a researcher. I also had the opportunity to meet very interesting people and to grow up as a person. I keep invaluable memories from my time there, not only academic, but also of having a good time. I strongly encourage prospective students to take advantage of all the possibilities you have from studying at SOP. Doing a PhD is easier than you think if you know how to have fun. Enjoy yourselves!

Nationality: Ugandan

Testimonial:

I started my PhD in October 2001, working with Professor Graham Buckton and Dr. Abdul Basit, who are world-renowned experts in their fields. My research focussed on the application of certain concepts of material sciences to polymeric drug delivery. Initially, I was nervous about my ability to follow a rigorous program of research considering my limited laboratory research experience. But the highly engaging and collaborative atmosphere here quickly gave me the confidence to stand on my feet. The student body, being very diverse and international, also helped. There were other student support systems run by the Registry that constantly encouraged me and listened to my mourns! After completing my studies, I have worked for a global pharmaceutical company as a technical manager before returning to the School of Pharmacy as a research fellow. The highlight of my PhD, is without a doubt, the opportunity to work with an outstanding faculty, which has given me lifelong learning experiences, not only in my core area of research, but also in problem solving skills, business and management.