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Names redacted.

Q1 · WHY THIS COURSE

A selective medical work placement at University Hospital, where I shadowed Dr on the cystic fibrosis (CF) ward, showed me how biochemistry in action transforms lives. In clinical practice, I encountered the use of CFTR modulators, specifically Kaftrio. This experience fascinated me; it demonstrated how a single molecule can significantly improve patient outcomes. While CFTR modulators do not fix the underlying genetic issue, they improve the function of the faulty chloride channels, which are the core of the disorder. One patient who had once been given a life expectancy of 30 was now 40, and was even expecting a child. Seeing this first-hand demonstrated how a precisely designed drug can immeasurably restore quality of life.

Eager to understand the broader context of CF research, I read "Breath from Salt." The book's history of the disorder highlighted how scientific breakthroughs are built over decades. They depend on collaboration between scientists and clinicians, as well as patients and families. I was struck by how science is advanced through a community effort in which I am excited to participate. These experiences have prepared me to make meaningful contributions in environments that require both rigorous science and collaboration. Ultimately, I aim to channel my fascination into a career in pharmaceutical research and development.

Q2 · HOW YOUR STUDIES PREPARED YOU

The IB has turned my curiosity into action. For my Chemistry EE, I investigated the degradation of paracetamol under varying humidity conditions. I built saturated salt chambers to maintain specific relative humidities and used colorimetry with FeCl3 tests to detect paracetamol’s phenolic degradation products. Having to improvise apparatus and using visible range colorimetry, when advanced equipment was unavailable, forced me to think critically about method choice and limitations. For example, how the narrower range of visible light might leave certain UV-absorbing degradation products undetected, and how to account for such errors. The project showed me how analytical chemistry can translate into real-world decisions about drug shelf life and safety.

In a structure-activity relationship research project on proton pump inhibitors, I compared racemic omeprazole with its pure S-enantiomer (esomeprazole). I discovered how a drug’s chirality, combined with genetic factors like CYP2C19 polymorphisms, can lead to differences in efficacy between patients. My hands-on encounter with pharmacogenomics in drug selection shifted my focus from asking “Does it work?” to “For whom and how reliably?” My research gave me an appreciation for the combined role of genetics and chemistry in medicine.

Q3 · WHAT YOU HAVE DONE OUTSIDE SCHOOL

In a Biochemistry and Pharmacology course at ELIO Academy, I used protein visualization software and in-silico binding simulations to explore drug-target interactions. I also learned to apply pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic frameworks to predict how dosage translates into effect. Moreover, modules on drug metabolism, receptor pharmacology, and adverse reactions expanded my awareness of patient and population impact, making me appreciate how carefully drugs must be evaluated.

I sought scientific discussion through lectures and meetings. I attended University's Science in Health talks, such as Dr. Colin Dayan's "Novel weight loss drugs and obesity”, which explored how GLP-1 analogues, developed for diabetes treatments, are reapplied to treat obesity. The lecture showed how existing discoveries can be reapplied to new problems. To further develop my knowledge, I decided to contact Dr. , a researcher at Essential Phosphates, a Lithuanian firm specializing in R&D and the production of high-purity Coenzyme A derivatives. CoA derivatives can help make pharmaceutical discoveries, for instance, to test drug effects on metabolism and mitochondrial function. Overall, engagement with the scientific community has not only expanded my technical knowledge but also increased my grasp of possible career pathways.