Juliet Obi
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Pharmacy
As part of the requirements of my doctorate program, I have to complete original research in a field and research area of my interest. My PhD research project is focused on understanding how a molecule used by a virus called Dengue virus can be targeted by drugs to treat human infections caused by this virus. There is currently no treatment for human infections caused by the virus so I hope that my PhD project will pave a way for finding a novel treatment.
I really like the fact that every day is different in a research lab. I have to plan experiments and sometimes these experiments fail and I have to repeat them a lot of times. I love my work because I learn something new about my research every day and I know that I am going to contribute significantly to my research field.
My typical day at work involves starting my day by creating a to-do list of what I need to do for the day. I then make solutions called buffers and reagents that I need to perform those experiments. I go ahead and perform the experiments and then collect my data. I then analyze my data with the goal of answering a research question I posed before conducting the experiments.
I am a Pharmacist by training. I have a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy. I am licensed to work as a Pharmacist in my home country (outside the USA) and worked as a Pharmacist for a few years. I moved to the United States to pursue a Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences as I developed an interest in drug discovery. I am now pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
I aspire to work in a Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry as a scientist to contribute to the discovery of new drugs and novel therapies for diseases.
I love to spend time with family and loved ones during my free time. I also love catching up with shows and movies whenever I can. I love to read books (both academic and non-academic). Lastly, I love to communicate the science I do to everyone so during my free time I share my science in the lab through my Instagram and Facebook science pages.
"I matter. I matter equally. Not 'if only.' Not 'as long as.' I matter equally. FULL STOP." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie