The call to undertake advanced research
As a naturally inquisitive person, I am intrigued by scientific research and development. It has always interested me, and I dreamed of going into advanced research.
At an early age, my mother was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and she died after ten years. It was a heart-breaking moment.
I found myself being called towards medical research. I had that urge to do something for her and others battling with such chronic diseases. I completed my Bachelor’s and my Master’s in Healthcare Biotechnology in Pakistan. During my research, I observed that nutrition can have a strong influence on the immune system and its protective functions. Deviations from ideal body weight and alterations in essential micronutrients can lead to some serious inflammatory disorders. I became curious about nutritional immunology.
Keen to learn more about the relationship between diet and immune system, I started working on seaweeds in my PhD under Dr Agnieszka Jaworowska, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition. My project is titled “Anti-inflammatory effects of seaweed derived compounds.”
Innovation, excellence and exceptional teaching
The University of Greenwich has been the right destination for me, as it has provided me with the opportunity to focus on my research and look at real-life clinical case studies. I believe that to excel in futuristic research, scientists must have a perfect blend of theoretical study and practical experience. I have also gained work experience, assisting the university with Open Days and carrying out lab demonstrations.
The University of Greenwich has helped me acquire compulsory skills and learn to be a good researcher, who realises her dreams and wants to achieve her goals. It has maintained its reputation for innovation, excellence and exceptional teaching.
Moreover, many of its research areas have been judged as having carried out research of the very highest quality with the help of efficient technology.
Being an international student, I had to cross many food, language and cultural boundaries, but the university realised my needs and gave me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in this new culture and meet exceptional people from around the globe.
Be part of the race for tomorrow
Nutritional immunology involves modulation of immune responses by foods, dietary ingredients and natural products. Working on it can be a challenging puzzle.
It is exciting to think that seaweeds can be an excellent source of potential bioactive anti-inflammatory compounds. Seaweed is increasing in popularity in the Western diet, including in the UK. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with seaweed consumption, including attitudes and preferences towards seaweed food products. I hope that my research will play a significant role in the accumulative breakthrough in the field in Nutritional Immunology.
It has been a wonderful experience to be the part of University of Greenwich as a PhD scholar and my supervisor has been a true support since the start of my degree.
I am proud to be a part of the existing race towards an advanced tomorrow.
