Vatsala Malik

Where are you from?

Asia – INDIA

Why did you choose to study at Northumbria?

I started off studying on the Biotechnology BSc, and then took an MRes before moving on to my current programme, a PhD in Molecular Biology. I always wanted to work in a subject area allied to biology. Biotechnology is becoming a popular and sought after qualification in India and it is an area that is constantly changing through new research and findings, so I knew it would give me plenty of opportunities in the future.

My University in Delhi had a collaborative arrangement with Northumbria for the BSc and I transferred one semester before I was due to move, as I’d looked into the course structure, facilities and general infrastructure and thought I would be better off at Northumbria. It must have been the right decision as I’m still here!

What would you like to do when you graduate?

The route I’ve taken gives me a wide variety of options. Working as a researcher is the most obvious option and something I find very attractive. I could do a post-doctoral qualification after my PhD, then at the end if I choose not to go further as a researcher I’ll be well qualified to work in the pharmaceutical industry.

My ambitions changed throughout my time here. I expected to finish my degree and work for a couple of years before starting my MRes, the funding changed everything, it meant I was given the opportunity far sooner that I imagined. Now I see research as a more viable option for my career.