London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Educational/professional background

I have a BSc in Life Sciences from the University of South Africa. Microbiology and Zoology were my major subjects. I gained valuable laboratory experience after university as a technician in an asthma research group.

Research interests or career goals

I’m particularly fascinated with how interactions between malaria parasites and mosquito vectors are studied at a molecular level. Understanding this allows us to develop and improve control methods to reduce malaria transmission. My goal is to study to PhD level and pursue a career in research.

Why I chose LSHTM/my programme

I chose LSHTM because of its excellent reputation in parasitology research and diagnostics. MSc Medical Parasitology appeals to me because I’m a hands-on learner and the modules have strong practical components. We gain skills in both laboratory-based techniques and fieldwork, all in a very supportive environment.

Any extra information

In the first term parasitology students are introduced to a very wide range of topics in the discipline. I would advise prospective students to keep an open mind before deciding exactly what they want to do regarding summer research projects or module choices after the first term.