-Can you describe your academic journey leading up to Harvard? What inspired you to pursue higher education at such a prestigious institution?
I have always loved practicing science. I was already learning biology in depth while in secondary school in Ashgabat. In 2015-2016, I participated in the Future Leaders Exchange Program and was exposed to science in the USA. Then I immediately knew that I wanted to practice science. I started applying to colleges and universities and got accepted to attend a small town university with full tuition scholarship.
– How and when did you apply for your studies?
During my studies there, I spent every summer at big research universities and explored all kinds of science. After graduating, I worked for a few more years on Lung Cancer Research and published my very first, first co-author paper in a peer reviewed journal. I applied to PhD programs and was excited to get into Harvard.
– Have your academic interests evolved during your time here?
Harvard University has all the resources for a successful PhD education. Professors, administration, and just students are so friendly and supportive. I’m excited to continue exploring science in depth and hoping to develop technologies for efficient disease treatment.
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– Could you share some of your future academic and career aspirations, and how your time at Harvard has prepared you for them?
During my time at Harvard I hope I can learn as much as possible and solidify my scientific knowledge, learn to work out experiments and also hopeful to be exposed to many other interdisciplinary fields such as chemistry and engineering. I also hope to continue working in science post graduation (6 years from now).
– Lastly, do you have any tips or advice for prospective students who aspire to study at Harvard or any other top-tier institution? What qualities or strategies do you believe are essential for success in such a challenging academic environment?
For students aspiring to study at high tier institutions, from my experience I recommend that they start exploring research very early in their career. Research is so important regardless of the field of study. High tier universities are research based so even if you are studying art, you should like thinking of science of art and try to get exposure to that.
I started thinking about research during my first month at my undergraduate university and was already employed to do full time research the summer after my first year. This is considered early exposure but some get even earlier exposure. So, it’s never too early to start practicing science and research