Alaba SOP
Alaba SOP
Alaba SOP
pastime since childhood. In High School, my teachers noted this trait alongside my
unparalleled performance in Chemistry and appointed me as the Laboratory Prefect. Since
then, I have continued to develop this technical proclivity as an extra-curricular activity, and
it has enhanced my problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
I choose the International Master in Innovative Medicine (IMIM) due to the unique circular
Bench to Beside and Back (BBB) translation model that it has adopted. Also, another aspect
of the master that drew my interest was the ability to have two individual internships in
partner companies within the frame of the programme, as my aim is to obtain more industrial
experience.
I consider myself as an appropriate candidate for this programme for the following reasons.
Foremost, my previous education in Biochemistry and Public Health Biotechnology has
given me the foundational knowledge which will be required for my subsequent training at
Uppsala University . In addition, while teaching genetics to undergraduate interns at the
Foresight Institute of Research and translation, I have been up-to-date with knowledge in the
field. Moreover, I also have a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. During
my prior master programme, I realised that the pressure on the genomic analysis equipment at
the central laboratory was too much, which often makes them unavailable for training
purposes. Lack of research funding is a significant issue in Nigeria, and the high cost of many
of these equipment makes them unfordable for young scientists. I took the initiative and
formed a small research group that made low-cost gel electrophoresis, open PCR, and
complete-immersion plant tissue culture. To accomplish my goals, I enrolled in several extra-
curricular training, among which was the 'Advanced Manufacturing training for Hardware
Entrepreneurs' organised by General Electric (GE), and networked with other professionals.
We recorded laudable success, and I presented the findings as a keynote speaker at the 6th
UNIBADAN Conference of Biomedical Research and afterwards made more efforts,
including registering a company name (Impact Biotech Nig. Ltd.). The company now
produces and markets gel electrophoresis boxes and ergonomic laptop stand. This experience
has taught me effective strategies in entrepreneurship, patience, and networking, and I hope
to build on this knowledge through the entrepreneurship courses and opportunities the IMIM
program offers.
Although I have a strong entrepreneurial mindset and love for translational science, there is a
need for me to acquire cognate translation research experience needed to proceed to Ph.D. in
Translational Medicine. Participating in IMIM will equip me with the skills necessary to
undertake an industrial-based Ph.D. programme in this field. One of my career objectives is
to own an internationally recognised biotech company and help individuals from less
privileged backgrounds in starting up companies.
IMIM being an international class, bringing together diverse cultures and languages, will also
allow me to participate in cultural exchange. I will not find it difficult to cope in such class
because my participation in a year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme,
mandatory for all Nigerian graduates to co-exist with about 250 ethnic groups and tribes, has
given me firsthand experience of working and living among people of different cultures and
beliefs. With this, I have learned to respect others' views while pursuing a common agenda.