Name: Siddra Maryam
What year of study are you in?
4th
Why did you choose Tyndall National Institute over other research institutes to complete your postgraduate studies?
I chose Tyndall National Institute over other research institutes for my PhD because of its world-class research and state of the art facilities.
What have you enjoyed most about your postgraduate studies thus far?
I enjoy working in Tyndall because of its multicultural environment. Tyndall has excellent research opportunities but being a PhD researcher, what I have enjoyed here most is the very supportive and low stress environment. With the work Tyndall provides a lot of opportunities to enjoy and relax.
How has your supervisor impacted you education?
Professor Stefan Andersson-Engels has impacted my education in a lot of ways. He has always been a source of inspiration to me. His dedication to work and accessibility is really impressive. He encourages and motivates us to work together as a team, fostering an environment that supports teamwork and the development of collaborative skills. He was incredibly supportive, understanding the importance of family and being flexible with me when I had a baby and throughout my academic journey.
Have any of your colleagues changed the way you view the world and how you want to progress your career?
As Tyndall fosters a collaborative environment, my experience there exposed me to the seamless integration of academia, research, industry, and medicine, which significantly transformed my perspective. Prior to joining Tyndall, I had a steadfast desire to remain in academia; however, this exposure has made me more receptive to exploring alternative career paths.
What is your most memorable experience so far at Tyndall?
My research is on gastro intestinal cancer and oral cancer. Most memorable experience was to work in clinical environment with the clinicians and understanding the clinical needs.