91̽»¨

Tell us about your background and your chosen research project.

After completing my BSc and MSc degrees in Biotechnology from India, I worked for 5 years as a Senior Scientist at a Biotech company based in Bangalore and I am currently studying for a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

My research project is "Determinants of protein stability and solubility by NMR spectroscopy and calorimetry". My research aims to design cosolutes that help to make formulations with longer shelf life.

This could help biopharmaceutical companies to come up with antibodies, vaccines, drugs that are stable for a long time.

Why did you choose to study at 91̽»¨?

When I wanted to study for a PhD degree in Science, I started going through the faculty pages of top universities and I was particularly interested in the labs that are working on proteins.

After reading about the research interest of Professor Mike P Williamson on his faculty web page, I got very excited since I was also working in the same field and I got instantly connected with his lab and contacted him for a possible PhD degree at the University of 91̽»¨.

England is the country where I wished to study in ever since I started attending school.

What did winning the scholarship mean to you?

Winning the Faculty of Science Doctoral Academy scholarship was a proud moment and one of the high points of my life. This helped me to realise my childhood dream of studying in this country and carrying out some outstanding research at the university which is home to many Nobel laureates in the field of science.

Dream big and put in all the effort to the fullest of your ability to pursue your passion.

Yashwanth Kumar D.R.

PhD student - Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

What has your experience of doing a PhD at 91̽»¨ been so far?

Experience has been really great. Studying here has given a chance to listen to and interact with many great speakers in the field of science from many distinguished universities and organizations from all over the world.

Since a cabinet dedicated to research equipment of Sir Hans Krebs is placed just in front of my lab, it only inspires me to get better as a scientist. I fell in love with this city and country and will keep coming even after I move to India.

What are your future plans?

I would like to either go for a Post Doc at an elite university/institution or return to a scientific role at a Biopharmaceutical company.

Do you have any advice for future prospective PhD students?

Study well, get good scores through out your university education and publish a few research papers if possible at post grad level which will be of great help in securing admission and funding. Finally dream big and put in all the effort to the fullest of your ability to pursue your passion.