Egypt- Mohamed Amer
International student profiles 12th March 2019
Mohamed Amer is a second year PhD student from Cairo, Egypt. Professor Nigel Scrutton is supervising his PhD project “Synthetic Biology for Gaseous Biofuels.”
Please give a brief summary of your PhD project.
My PhD research project is mainly designed to develop series of synthetic biology platforms to produce gaseous biofuels.
What did you do before undertaking your PhD?
Before starting my PhD, I undertook BSc and MSc degrees in biochemistry at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. During my BSc and MSc studies, I built a good set of skills and knowledge which had a positive impact on my career and gave me excellent opportunity to compete successfully in the job market.
Why did you decide to undertake a postgraduate course?
The next big decision in my life was to proceed to the PhD, immediately after the MSc, as I realized that it is wise step to invest in my future through studying biotechnology in more depth and efficient way that extremely improves my academic credentials; hence, enhance my career and financial prospects, rapidly.
Why did you choose your degree/project/supervisor?
Some important points I considered when I was choosing my PhD’s triangle sides; the degree, project and supervisor. In the first place, since selection of the supervisor is the most critical part; Prof. Nigel was my preference; as he is driven by the same interest in the biofuel field, also an advantage; he has a great reputation and a profile full of academic recognition and achievements. In the meantime, I was keen on completing a degree in the field that I have a passion in and I had already got experience in before, in a project that provides new sustainable bioenergy.
Why did you choose Manchester?
Actually the main reason that directed my choice, after selection of the proper supervisor, is that The University of Manchester is among the world’s best universities and well-recognised across the globe, which guarantees that I will get the unique research experience I aim, as well as I can find support at all stages of my PhD project in such professional environment.
What do you think of your PhD so far? What do you enjoy?
So far, I have received all the relevant training, learnt lots of techniques and developed some new skills which is part of my plans. Although, I have encountered some technical challenges; however I am enjoying that challenge of trying to develop methods and create strategies to push my project forward.
What are facilities and resources like in the Faculty?
The faculty has a good reputation for innovation and is rich in resources due to the multidisciplinary projects, which are created through improved links and engagement with business communities and the knowledge exchange with industry, etc. In that way, continuous funding streams are being conducted and obviously are reflected on the presence of many high technology facilities which are easily accessible with the help of fully skilled and friendly experimental officers and technicians.
What does the University offer international students?
The university offers full support to all international students in all aspects, e.g: courses, living in Manchester, accommodation, VISA issues etc. During my application as an international student, staff were very friendly, organized and dedicated in providing support and advice from the time of applying and through all my application process, which seems to be the case for all other students.
How do you think studying here will help your future prospects? What are your future plans?
I think doing a research degree in The School of Chemistry for sure, will reshape and broaden my future prospects in many ways; how to get a genuine research outputs that can address real-world issues, how to build a collaborative partnership between Academia and external organisations, and identify new research opportunities, moreover, building and boosting up a solid experience and professionality, hence, launching a successful career.
What do you like about the city of Manchester?
In my perspective, Manchester is one of the best places to live in the UK. As a big city, it is characterized by the big diversity of people from different countries with varieties of traditions, backgrounds and lifestyles, as well, visitors are always welcomed, what great neighbours to have like the friendly Mancunians. I adore Manchester being rich with culture, music, sports. Moreover, it is easy to get around to many museums, galleries, pretty parks, gardens and the charming countryside nearby too. As an international student, such combination reduces my homesickness and makes me feel like being at my home country, Egypt.
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