Master's Programme in Drug Discovery and Development

Name: Samia Mahmoud Ibrahim Mohamed
From: Sudan

How did you choose your programme?
From my work experience in the pharmaceutical industries in Sudan, I become so passionate about research and drug development. I found the drug discovery and development programme on the University admission website. Due to the diversity of the courses of the programme, I believe it could help the students to proceed with a career in both academics and international pharmaceutical industries.

What is it like to be an international student?
As a mother of three children, it was hard for me to leave my family in Sudan and come to Sweden, but I was very excited to get back to my studies in one of the top 100 international universities. I’ve become more confident to speak up and have a good discussion with the teachers and classmates. All Swedish people speak English, and I have not experienced any communication difficulties, but I started learning the Swedish language because it will give me more perspective into the Swedish culture.

Do you remember your first impression of Uppsala? Please tell!
My first visit to campus was in 2020, and it was almost empty due to the pandemic. My second visit was in November 2021 when I started my thesis project with the pharmacognosy group. I was not sure how social life would be on campus, but the first day in the lab was beyond my expectations. All the people were very welcoming, and always willing to help.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
The best thing about studying at Uppsala University is the world-class research environment and the up-to-date knowledge and expertise. The teaching environment encourages students to think independently and creatively. It equips the students with the critical thinking skills and the ability to develop their ideas and that helps the students to be prepared for their future careers.

Uppsala University has a very welcoming and inclusive environment for all students from different cultures. You’re provided with the opportunity to meet students from the whole world and that makes you feel as if you are on a journey around the world.

What is your reason for studying and your ultimate goal?
I am so passionate about research and drug development, and I believe that the theoretical and practical knowledge that I gained at Uppsala University will open doors to both academic research and a career in the pharmaceuticals industry. My ultimate goal is to be a researcher in pharmacometrics, and after that I would like to open a training centre in Sudan. I hope that I can transfer my educational experience at Uppsala University to my motherland Sudan. I also would like to participate in changing the Bachelor of Pharmacy syllabus and introduce pharmacometrics as a basic course because I believe pharmacometrics is the new era of drug development.

What is your best experience so far?
Some courses have very exciting modules and the best one was the clinical study design and analysis module during the clinical PKPD course (Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics). Despite the multiple tasks we had and the deadlines, we enjoyed it, especially the final task (simulation) of the advisory board meeting for the approval of the investigational medicinal product. The best social experience I ever had was when I met my classmates for the first time and we went for a long walk in Uppsala and that was my first time visiting Linnaeus Garden.

Two quick questions
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?  
Linnaeus garden and Uppsala city centre.

Where is the best place to study?
My home, home sweet home.

Spring 2022.