Meet Amgen Scholars Alumni Rana Tahir Rasool
"Conducting research at the University of Cambridge has given me the skills and confidence to work independently in my research field."
Lahore, Pakistan
Host University: University of Cambridge
Home University: University of Zagreb
Amgen Scholar Year: 2016
Major: Medicine
Expected Graduation: 2018
Journey to Science
What inspired you to major in science?
I became fascinated by the complexity of the human brain I was studying as part of a neuroscience course, and quickly developed a passion to do research in this field. There are millions of people around the world who suffer from strokes and neurodegenerative disease. Unfortunately, there is no way to replace brain tissue once it is dead. This led to me wanting to understand the normal architecture of the human brain and to see how it can be repaired once the damage is done.
Academic and Professional Ambitions
Why did you apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?
I believe the Amgen Scholars Program is an excellent platform to pursue my interest in research at one of the world’s top universities. I want to gain research and laboratory skills to conduct independent research, and to see the role that neuronal stem cell transplantation could play in the repair of brain damage.
What’s the larger significance of your Amgen Scholars research? What’s your ultimate career goal?
Conducting research at the University of Cambridge has given me the skills and confidence to work independently in my research field. I have not just learned laboratory techniques but also gained knowledge about the right scientific approach to solve problems that can arise during a research project. During my project, I was able to learn more about using neuronal stem cell transplantation to repair brain damage. I think that the future for such research looks very promising. After participating in this program, there is no doubt in my mind that I would like to do a Ph.D. in this field.
What aspects of the program are you most enjoying this summer?
I enjoyed the challenge of doing my own independent research project, and my supervisor and the rest of my colleagues in the laboratory were always helpful and supportive of me. I enjoyed spending time with my fellow scholars who shared my passion for research. It was a great learning experience to meet the leading scientists at the symposium and to hear about their scientific research. I found the University of Cambridge a very inspiring place and hope to study for my Ph.D. thesis there.
To learn more about the Amgen Scholars Program, please visit our website and check out the #AmgenScholars hashtag on Twitter. Visit AmgenInspires.com and follow @AmgenFoundation to stay up to date with all STEM-related news from the Amgen Foundation.
