Email Sakina: sakina-link@leeds.ac.uk
I am Sakina, currently in my final year of MBiol Biological Sciences at Leeds. I am from India and studied at New Era High School before coming to the University of Leeds.
I heard about the University of Leeds through a family friend and chose Leeds due to its research impact. Leeds is one of the best student cities with enthralling night life, the best student union and dedicated teaching staff. It provides a lot of support for wellbeing, teaching, research, employability, physical and mental health.
I chose to study at the University of Leeds because of its student-friendly atmosphere and my future career goals in research. The University has a lot of cutting-edge research in the field of biology and it provided me with a foundation for opportunities while studying and after graduation. I was also awarded Dean’s Excellence Scholarship (£5,000) as a high-achieving applicant to support my studies in the University.
The University has given me several opportunities throughout my degree programme. The Careers Centre and my tutors/supervisors have provided me with extensive feedback and helped me prepare well for my applications/interviews.
My best feelings were when I was selected as an Amgen scholar 2020 at the University of Cambridge to undertake summer research with Professor Lalitha Ramakrishnan on pathogenesis of tuberculosis. I was also shortlisted to undertake research with Cancer Research UK with a £5,500 award value.
My interest in research roots from my early work shadowing experience with Dr Ponnambalam and summer placement with Professor O’Neill on antibiotic resistance. I was also one of the students selected to attend the Gatsby Plant science summer school organised by the Gatsby Foundation and Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University.
Currently, I am doing an eight-month structural biochemistry Masters project with Dr Zeqiraj. This programme has made me confident in conducting scientific research which has also been very helpful for job/further study applications. After my studies, I am planning to undertake a PhD in Biochemistry exploring DNA damage repair.
Along with my research interests, I also write science features for the Gryphon, the award-winning University newspaper. I enjoy volunteering as well and have been a Get Out Get Active volunteer and trip leader for Leeds University Union. It is a really enriching experience as I make new friends every week and take them and bring them back to the University. It is a role of high responsibility ensuring the safety of other students and helping them explore a different city.
Outside of my studies, I hike and explore the wilderness of Yorkshire. There are many scenic places and trails in Leeds for hiking and running. I try to experience different societies which brings me out of my comfort zone. They are really enriching and gives me break from the normal routine activities of university.
I really appreciate that there is a society for every possible interest one could have, and they cater to the needs of everyone. I personally feel that the Leeds University Union and societies are a very integral part of my university life and it freshens me up in order for me to work harder.
I have stayed in Leodis residences throughout my time at the University as it is very close to the campus and city with a lot of facilities at reasonable prices. I also get The Edge membership along with my student accommodation. I also got an opportunity to volunteer in my halls of residence as a Halls Executive, where a team of halls execs come together to discuss the various issues in the residences and plan events for them in the best possible manner.
The best part of university life is to be open to new opportunities both academically and socially, and you will be surprised at what you can experience. I hope you have a great time at Leeds and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!