“Chikungunya”-1.25 million cases reported in India (October). “Avian Influenza” - reported in Egypt (October). “Yellow fever”- reported in Cote d’Ivoire (October)------------
There has been an avalanche of outbreaks of serious infectious diseases in different parts of the world. Whether an age-old disease or a new emerging disease, the global threat and financial burden it imposes is far from man’s intervention and estimation. The situation is highly critical and desperately needs a new dimension of thought and application to handle the situation effectively. In addition to understanding the physiology and epidemiology of the pathogen, the new challenges require a profound knowledge of the molecular basis of the diseases to provide potential strategies for intervention and prevention. Thanks to Dr. Werner Arber, Daniel Nathans and Hamilton Smith, restriction endonucleases were discovered, which led to the development of the rDNA technology. Their contribution has become the foundation for molecular dissection studies, which covers a wide spectrum of areas including Epidemiology, Diagnostics and Vaccine design. Having a strong breadth of knowledge in Molecular Biology, I would like to apply my knowledge to design novel strategies for prevention and treatment of Infectious diseases. To realize my ultimate dream and goal, my immediate step is to pursue graduate studies in your renowned Institute, and ultimately become a research professional with social responsibility.
Determined to pursue and excel as a research scholar in the stream of Life Sciences, I opted for a Bachelor’s program in Biochemistry in a Government college with merit scholarship. Having gained a strong knowledge in Biochemistry I immediately realized the benefits of pursuing my master’s degree in a University campus. The gamut of opportunities and rich environment of the Chennai University undoubtedly persuaded and motivated me. Amidst a very competitive group I was selected for a couple of other courses too, including Biotechnology, Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. But I was keen on choosing Molecular Biology as my major after discussing the future prospects of my career with the student coordinator. I am very glad I made the right decision for my future and myself.
During my post-graduation studies, I was strongly encouraged and motivated. The healthy competitive and rich environment prepared my mind for new challenges and helped me develop skills to tackle difficult situations. I became well versed in rDNA techniques and its applications. The great personal rapport with the PHD scholars in the University department has encouraged me to continue with graduate studies. I had a close association with one of the PhD scholars who was working in ‘Cloning and Characterization of X gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis’’. His research topic fascinated me, and persuaded me to opt for graduate study in Infectious diseases and Immunology. It was at this juncture that my research interest became focused. The interrelationship between Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Biology became evident to me. Looking forward to expanding my knowledge, I worked with him during weekends and the summer vacation. I already had a fair knowledge of Molecular techniques and its applications; and my interest in TB research intensified. I had many questions. Is X gene immunogenic? Could it be a potential candidate for vaccine design? This thirst for knowledge has driven me to opt for PHD in Infectious diseases.
I am very fortunate to work on an Immunology project for my dissertation. In spite of a short tenure, the knowledge and experience I accumulated is overwhelming. I worked on the Rubella vaccination project, which is a government-funded project. I analyzed a small number of 120 samples for the serological profile of Rubella IgG by ELISA. The experience gained as a Laboratory technician in X hospital helped me in efficient sample collection and storage. A diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology and extra experience in hospitals eased my initial phase of the dissertation work, and made my field experience really precious and memorable. I also learnt how a single data generated could be explicitly represented in different forms yielding valuable results. I also interacted with the kids and educated the parents about the project and its outcomes. This gave me a sense of social responsibility to care for the community, and gave me the impetus needed to pursue my Doctoral study in Infectious diseases and Immunology. Through this study I clearly understood that “Prevention is better than cure” and “Awareness” is more important than basic research. This is because basic research fails adversely where implementation loses priority. This holds good for any potential Infectious disease. The increased incidence of MDR pathogens and reemergence of age-old diseases serves as a warning that we must strengthen the disease surveillance systems and design and implement novel strategies to combat the disease effectively.
My UG and PG studies equipped me with new skills and refined my old skills. I developed teaching abilities and helped my peers in Immunology and Metabolism papers. This is when I realized my potential as a teacher and leader, by assisting a set of students in their assignments and course work. We often learnt by interacting with each other and sharing knowledge. I have been a source of unceasing motivation to my peer groups. As a result, we have participated in various competitions, represented our college and won a unique identity for our college and ourselves. These endeavors instilled and nurtured both leadership and team spirit in me.
Currently, working in a corporate environment has enabled me to efficiently utilize the opportunities for enhancing my soft skills. The job has helped me become a confident, competent individual and enhanced my professionalism. It has made me proficient in documentation and further strengthened my communication and presentation skills.
When I surfed through the web I discovered that Dr.--------------------- is actively involved in TB research. The Institute with its rich learning environment will definitely support my passion and goal of pursuing my doctoral studies. The interdisciplinary curriculum including Lab tours, Lab rotations, retreat, National & International seminars, intensive practical sessions, motivation for project proposals/grant applications, seminars by and for young scientist are the attractive features of the University which have intensified my idea of pursuing research in your esteemed institute. I am interested in learning many new techniques such as Micro-arrays, Flow cytometry, TUNEL; and I am looking forward to a global career in your renowned Institute.
I am really convinced that the opportunity to attend your University, and my potential and perseverance, will strongly prepare me to excel in all my future endeavors. I firmly believe my graduate studies at your esteemed University will shape me as a research professional with social responsibility.
Please review my CV for other value adding courses and Merits & Awards information.