Student stories

The University of Surrey has a longstanding history of pioneering research into tuberculosis, led by a wealth of experienced scientists. Not only does the University have the specialised laboratories required to handle a category 3 pathogen, but it also has state-of-the-art equipment available to postgraduate students.

I studied at Surrey for my MSci in Biochemistry, where my project focused on tuberculosis infection. The research was very successful and continued through the summer after I had graduated. The combination of an exciting PhD project and a fantastic group of scientists confirmed my choice to continue at Surrey.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have outstanding support throughout my PhD. My supervisors have been instrumental in guiding my research. Their organisation, approachability and constructive feedback have made a huge difference.

I’m investigating sleep in a rural South African community to identify if there’s a relationship between sleep health and HIV infection, in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand.

My project aims to evaluate the existence of a circadian clock in vascular pericytes, mural cells whose role is to support and enhance vascular function of endothelial cells in capillaries.

My PhD has allowed me to visit countries endemic for rabies, meet those most at risk of exposure to the disease, and hear first-hand about the socioeconomic constraints and challenges that face these communities.