Biology Personal Statement

Personal Statement

Luckily for me as I have dreamt since childhood, the early years of my career has been fulfilling. Although not precisely the original plan after I moved to Minnesota from Nigeria the country of my birth – my current career path has opened up opportunities for me to explore my childhood scientific curiosities. With much of my career still ahead, pursuing further education in the field is imperative to advancing myself, my family and improve the community I grew up in: This is precisely the reason I am applying for the Master of Biological Sciences program at the University of Minnesota.

Despite personal life struggles throughout college, I prepared for my career by obtaining a Bachelors of Science degree in Biotechnology

The laboratory technician position at ‘Pharmasan labs’ presented several opportunities for me to work in a fast paced laboratory setting where I learned new skills, use advanced instruments, and work independently to produce accurate results on a daily basis. The role offered me both routine and research and development responsibilities and I learned a diverse skill sets in the capacity. Following an established and validated SOP to run the Natural Killer Cytotoxicity assay on patient whole blood, cryopreservation, performing several enzyme immunoassays, while also maintaining several different cell line cultures on a daily basis were some of the responsibility the routine role afforded me. Furthermore, I was charged with daily and periodic maintenance of laboratory equipments such as the Vi-Cell cell counter, biological safety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, sterilizer, and the ‘Ella’ ELISA machine to name a few. Alternatively, the R&D role required me to be part of a small group that develops and validates ImmunoAssays and conduct product and process development from inception through transfer to and support of routine