guneet85
Aug 21, 2011
Graduate / PhD in Biology/Biomedical Sciences..a brief draft [5]
Born in a family where good education was always given the highest priority, I have had the wonderful opportunity to pursue my interests without any constraints of convention. It has been my consistent interest in Biology and Biomedical Sciences that has motivated me to a pursue a PhD in this field, an interest that first sparked while reading books by Oliver Sacks, Richard Dawkins, VS Ramachandran etc. back in the 10th grade.
At a time, when Biotech education was still in its infancy in India, I chose it for its merits as being research-centric. During bachelor's, I gained first-hand theoretical as well as practical exposure to techniques used in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Tissue Culture, Microbiology and Immunology. Seeking to enhance the scope of my knowledge in Biotechnology, I gained admission to a Master's degree (M.Sc) in Biotechnology winning a scholarship from the Government of India. Studying for the M.Sc degree and the various extra-curricular trainings during that time period allowed me to comprehend the whole aspect of research in biotechnology and allied sciences.
After completing M.Sc in the year 2009, I underwent an industrial training program at XXXX Laboratories Limited in New Delhi. Here, I designed and developed a prognostic assay for colorectal cancer which was further developed and patented by the company. But, because of my consistent interest in the field of Neuroscience, I approached Prof. XXXXX, one of the prominent neuroscientists of the country, to work on a research project. Prof. XXX's lab focuses on the study of neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and neuro-glial interaction. She allowed me to work on the project titled, "Neuroendocrine Dysfunction due to Anti-Epileptic Drugs in cycling female rats." It was while working at this place that I learned to apply my education in a proper research environment. With Prof. Kaur's constant support and encouragement, I was able to further hone my analytical abilities and made some major improvements in the previously standardized protocols. Working here not just trained me in techniques like Western Blotting, Immunochemistry, Northern Blotting, ELISA etc., but also developed a deep interest in areas like neurodegeneration and neuro-protection. I realized the importance of aligning my future career plans with my research experience and hence, work towards a PhD degree.
Other projects in the above lab, like studying the role of various factors in improving synaptic plasticity, neuro-glial interaction; neuro-degeneration due to oxidative agents, seemed to be equally fascinating. After reading about the research focus of many scientists at Syracuse University, I am convinced about this being a wonderful place for me to advance my research career in an area that I have come to be truly passionate about.
After completing PhD, I plan to continue with extensive research on various degenerative diseases. I also want to work on the development of complementary pharmacological interventions that are based on a better understanding of stem cell biology and CNS pathology. By pursuing clinically relevant research, I hope to bring the world closer to the daunting goal of developing safe and effective therapeutics for various neurological disorders. And it is with this thought, I look forward to putting my goals and dreams into action, and to being an asset to the School with great excitement and strong commitment.
Born in a family where good education was always given the highest priority, I have had the wonderful opportunity to pursue my interests without any constraints of convention. It has been my consistent interest in Biology and Biomedical Sciences that has motivated me to a pursue a PhD in this field, an interest that first sparked while reading books by Oliver Sacks, Richard Dawkins, VS Ramachandran etc. back in the 10th grade.
At a time, when Biotech education was still in its infancy in India, I chose it for its merits as being research-centric. During bachelor's, I gained first-hand theoretical as well as practical exposure to techniques used in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Tissue Culture, Microbiology and Immunology. Seeking to enhance the scope of my knowledge in Biotechnology, I gained admission to a Master's degree (M.Sc) in Biotechnology winning a scholarship from the Government of India. Studying for the M.Sc degree and the various extra-curricular trainings during that time period allowed me to comprehend the whole aspect of research in biotechnology and allied sciences.
After completing M.Sc in the year 2009, I underwent an industrial training program at XXXX Laboratories Limited in New Delhi. Here, I designed and developed a prognostic assay for colorectal cancer which was further developed and patented by the company. But, because of my consistent interest in the field of Neuroscience, I approached Prof. XXXXX, one of the prominent neuroscientists of the country, to work on a research project. Prof. XXX's lab focuses on the study of neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and neuro-glial interaction. She allowed me to work on the project titled, "Neuroendocrine Dysfunction due to Anti-Epileptic Drugs in cycling female rats." It was while working at this place that I learned to apply my education in a proper research environment. With Prof. Kaur's constant support and encouragement, I was able to further hone my analytical abilities and made some major improvements in the previously standardized protocols. Working here not just trained me in techniques like Western Blotting, Immunochemistry, Northern Blotting, ELISA etc., but also developed a deep interest in areas like neurodegeneration and neuro-protection. I realized the importance of aligning my future career plans with my research experience and hence, work towards a PhD degree.
Other projects in the above lab, like studying the role of various factors in improving synaptic plasticity, neuro-glial interaction; neuro-degeneration due to oxidative agents, seemed to be equally fascinating. After reading about the research focus of many scientists at Syracuse University, I am convinced about this being a wonderful place for me to advance my research career in an area that I have come to be truly passionate about.
After completing PhD, I plan to continue with extensive research on various degenerative diseases. I also want to work on the development of complementary pharmacological interventions that are based on a better understanding of stem cell biology and CNS pathology. By pursuing clinically relevant research, I hope to bring the world closer to the daunting goal of developing safe and effective therapeutics for various neurological disorders. And it is with this thought, I look forward to putting my goals and dreams into action, and to being an asset to the School with great excitement and strong commitment.