Letters / 'The acquisition of knowledge is a never-ending process' - Motivation letter for Neurasmus [3]

Motivation letter for Neurasmus

I started my career as a research associate in St. Luke's Medical Center, recognized as one of the Philippines' leading and most respected healthcare institutions. Seeing firsthand the application of theoretical concepts that I learned at the university gave me insight into how science develops all areas of life. Currently, I am working in the pharmaceutical industry as a laboratory analyst and I have learned many things, from the use of internationally recognized pharmacopeias such as United States Pharmacopeia and British Pharmacopeia, as well as the use of GxPs (Good Documentation Practices, Good Laboratory Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices). A major part of my responsibilities include evaluating supplier's documents to determine whether they follow internationally accepted guidelines such as ICH and ASEAN guidelines, and conducting product quality testing which developed my skills at handling equipment such as GCs, HPLCs, LC-MS/MS, etc.

While evaluating various supplier registration documents, I encountered Donepezil and Memantine drug products. These were used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Such diseases have been a source of wonder (how it starts and progressively destroys one's memories), but also of dread, as there is almost little to no hope of recovery. I also learned that in 2018, the mortality rate in the Philippines for those with mental & behavioral disorders and those with diseases of the nervous system / sense organs together are about 1.8% (data taken from the Department of Health, Philippines). Therefore, having more people specializing in neuroscience will be beneficial, especially to the people experiencing neurodegenerative diseases, since the courses of treatment will improve alongside the developments made in this area of research. Unfortunately, not too many people specialize in Neuroscience research here in the Philippines, one factor of which may be the lack of the necessary equipment or resources used to carry out the research. Soon after hearing about the Erasmus program and checking out the courses it covers, Neurasmus was among those that caught my eye due to its innovative design. It provides students the freedom to create their mobility plans. This program will help me grow not just in my career as a scientist but in my personal development by forming meaningful networks with people and institutions, enhancing my communication and research skills, and providing me with the rich experience of living in a foreign land. Studying and working abroad and then coming back to the Philippines to be one of those who will help young (or the young at heart) scientists develop a career in this field is just one of the many things I would like to do.

have chosen to spend my first year at the University of Bordeaux and then the second year at the University of Coimbra. Through the Structural Biology and Engineering of Neuronal Proteins research team, I will gain a much deeper understanding of the underlying principles of neuronal signaling in health and disease. I am particularly interested in how the team utilizes various techniques to study interaction determinants and structures of synaptic protein complexes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders and neuronal disease. Being part of works similar to developing a synthetic synaptic organizer protein brings humanity one step closer to developing innovative molecular tools for treating neurological conditions. Aside from learning with excellent scientists at the university, I am also looking forward to going around the area and doing fun activities. I plan to get to know the locals, make a wine-tasting detour at the La Cité du Vin, and explore the Basque Country or biking around Ile-de-Ré.

After the University of Bordeaux, the possibility of spending time learning at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology at University of Coimbra is also something I would like to do. Under the research in Neurosciences and Disease, two groups piqued my interest. These are Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: from Molecules to Diagnosis and Intervention, as well as Mitochondria and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Identifying new biomarkers for brain diseases can have a tremendous impact on improving the quality of life of people through early diagnosis of diseases and designing customized treatments based on the patient's needs. However, I firmly believe that a one-size-fits-all treatment may not entirely be possible, given that everyone gives differing responses to varying courses of treatment. Also, I would like to learn under the group that focuses on Mitochondria and Neurodegenerative Disorders. The group's interest in early disease stages with potential translational research looks promising. I want to examine how transcriptional regulation is done using pharmacological compounds and gene correction strategies. When I get back home, I hope to one day share my knowledge with students about the latest developments in the field of neurosciences. Helping to shape the minds of young scientists and guiding them to have a career in neuroscience research will be one of my ways to give back to the scientific community. Aside from teaching, I would also like to be part of a team dedicated to researching the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases and the development of preventative or therapeutic interventions.

The acquisition of knowledge is a never-ending process. Seeing that in action in all my past jobs made me realize that with my desire to look for answers to questions, I, too, have something to contribute to the scientific community.