Pursuing a master's degree in Biomedical Science
I have chosen to pursue my master's study from the UK so that I can learn directly from the best professors and researchers in my chosen field and network extensively for future research collaborations. My name is Erick Thokerunga. I come from a family of nine and a single mom who having struggled to finance my undergraduate studies is now retired and unable to support my postgraduate education.
I have read through the goals of this scholarship and they perfectly align with my career ambition of using biomedical research to find creative solutions to the health challenges of my country especially infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis that have become endemic.
I have been admitted into the prestigious University of Chester in the UK to pursue a master's degree in Biomedical Science following a rigorous admission process. My sound academic potentials coupled with strong leadership qualities I posses made me stand out thus getting an unconditional offer of admission. I am much elated that the OFID gives opportunities for less privileged scholars like me to pursue their educational dreams in some of the best Universities in the world, a chance I intend to effectively utilize.
My keen interest in biomedical research developed during my undergraduate clinical rotation at Epicenter Mbarara Research Center and has been fostered in the last three years of my professional life working with TB and HIV clients. Epicenter is a World Health Collaborating Organization for Epidemiological Research and Response to Emerging Diseases, conducting high standard clinical research, focusing on critical public health burdens in Uganda and Africa including tuberculosis, malaria and HIV infections. The exposure inspired me to carry a study on pulmonary TB among inmates at Mbarara central prison, Uganda, Published in 2014.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. Although I have a strong background in Medical Laboratory Sciences, I need to attain specialized skills in research design, conduct and publications in order to effectively take the next step in my research career. I am convinced that through this scholarship I will get exactly that.
Uganda is a developing country whose development policies are firmly focused on research, science and technology. As a young scientists and a future leader, with the help of this scholarship I will be able to gain the requisite skills to not only fill part of the huge need for biomedical research scientists in the country but also authoritatively advocate for increased funding towards health research. Additionally I will also be able to pass on the acquired skills to my fellow country men
My ultimate career ambition is to pursue a PhD following this master's study, and be placed in one of the public Universities in the country where I can lecture as I engage in research. Through that I will be able to not only produce policy shaping papers but also prepare the next generation of medical scientists to continue the quest to ensure a healthy and productive Ugandan population
