Interview with Alannah, a master student in biomedical sciences

Alannah is a master's student in biomedical sciences. She was born and raised in Maryland, in the US. She first got her bachelor's degree in biology at Radford University in Virginia and she is currently getting her master’s degree in Philadelphia. She is from a family of helpers as her mum is a recreational therapist and her dad is a retired police officer. She started an Instagram account to share her journey as a master's student with other students as well as her friends and family. She wants to reassure people about the stress scientific studies can create and brings confidence.

What did you want to do when you were a kid?

I definitely was into sciences and biology. When I was a kid, I used to make all these weird concoctions for my family to try. I always played doctor with my toys and my family. I used to always think I was going to save the world. As a kid, medicine or something related to health was a pretty good way to save the world. So, biology has definitely stuck with me since I was little. 

What was your vision of scientists back then?

As a kid, I was watching all these TV shows and movies portraying experiments as just like bubbles and weird smoke but I did not really know much about all the cool experiments they were doing on TV. When I was younger, scientists look like experts, and experiments look quite easy. Now that I work with scientists, my vision completely changed as I feel like working as a scientist is nothing but a continuous learning process. It is not easy but the harder it is the more you learn.

What motivates you to do a master’s degree?

I also thought about doing directly a PhD or going to medical school, but instead I wanted to have more research experience. So, I thought maybe I will do a master’s degree and get to do a master’s thesis. I am currently working in an immunology lab learning the basics of lab work. During my master’s thesis, I will get my hands on different topics such as immunology. The lab is really exciting and it is like my serotonin. Biomedical sciences was a good opportunity to look at different things I have a keen interest in. Unlike my bachelor’s degree, I have the opportunity to choose and try all these different classes. The main focus is on everything I am interested in. I want to understand how to be a clinical researcher. So, for example, this semester I have classes on clinical trials, management, medical biochemistry, the microbial genesis of diseases,…

What are your future ambitions?

Hopefully, I will decide because I have been stuck between a Ph.D. or medical school. I do still have a passion to help others and I feel this master’s will help me decide. I may work for a year or two as well and it will also help me decide. One thing that I learned is that if you need a break from education and slow down, that is perfectly fine. You can still get right back up and go on with what you want to pursue later. 

What advice would you give to future students?

One thing I learned is that it takes time. You are not going to understand everything in one day. I wished someone told me this before my bachelor’s because I was like « why am I not understanding this? ». You cannot always be perfect, especially in the lab. If you mess up, it is okay, do not beat yourself up but be wise about it. It is just like a learning curve but it is for sure a fun learning curve.

Thank you to Alannah for her time, interest in this project, and openness during this interview. 

Go check her Instagram account if you want more advice and insight on master's degrees and student life (alannahthescientist).

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  Alen Piljić Friday, 24 February 2023 - 01:25 UTC

  This is the first interview from our new initiative:
  https://www.lifescience.net/news/4984/using-interview-format-to-promote-careers-in-scien/