Student profiles

Leyla Zilic

Age: 23
From: Manchester, UK
Degree: MRes Tissue Engineering For Regenerative Medicine
Graduates: 2011

Why did you choose this degree?

“I worked as a research associate for the wound care company Systagenix. I had had an interest in tissue engineering ever since briefly studying it during my BSc in Biomedical Material Science at The University of Manchester. It is an area of science that is becoming more renowned, especially with recent breakthroughs in the repair and regeneration of tissues and organs.

“Manchester is a great place to live and study; the multicultural city is known for its lively student atmosphere. The University is highly ranked for research, which appealed to me, as I wanted to do a research-based postgraduate degree. The MRes course itself is interdisciplinary, allowing me to gain extensive knowledge in other areas, such as medicine, life sciences and materials.”

What do you think of your course?

“The course has increased my confidence and prepared me for a PhD. Seminars have opened me up to current research in tissue engineering, and feedback from lecturers has improved my writing and critique skills. The course also encourages teamwork with group presentations and challenges; this is especially important in research, where you have to regularly present your findings and work as part of a research group.

“As part of my final project, I collaborated between the School of Materials and Translational Medicine, and had the opportunity to work with equipment such as SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and DNA sequencing facilities.

“I always receive helpful feedback and my supervisors make sure that we have regular meetings to discuss any problems or queries. Staff members also helped me decide what I wanted to do after I finished my degree, giving me advice and looking over my CV.

What do you most value about studying here?

“I value the people and friends I have made; they have made studying here a lot easier and enjoyable. I also value the knowledge and experience that I have gained, which I will take with me when continuing on with research in science.

“Finishing my undergraduate degree, I was unsure of what path to take in science; however, by doing my postgraduate degree I have realised I enjoy studying, so have decided to prolong my stay in academic research. Talking with other students and staff members here has made it easier to decide what I wish to achieve in the future.”