STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Haruna Ali is my name. For the most of my life, I have had a strong urge to explore the unknown
and limitless worlds of science and medicine. Science, to me, is an informed leap of faith into the
unknown. Every day, new study and insights add to our understanding of the human body. I'm
fascinated by how a basic concept may be turned into a reality, paving the path for novel remedies
and more refined anatomical understanding.

Life science has captivated me since I was in elementary school. I'm curious about how life came to
be and how it functions. When I learned about Anton van Leeuwenhoek, Louis Pasteur, and Robert
Koch, their discoveries and study in biology piqued my curiosity. Despite being taught to key
concepts of biology in school, terminology like cell, tissues, DNA, and especially microorganisms
piqued my interest. The unique qualities of microorganisms, including as their rapid multiplication
rate, illness causation, antibiotic resistance, fermentation, decomposition, competitiveness, and
persistence, influenced my decision to study in Science Laboratory Technology at Accra Technical
University.

I graduated with honors in my chosen field of study, having been exposed to many fields of study
such as general microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology, medical microbiology, and
virology, among others, which gave me insight into the infectious world of germs and microbes, the
biology behind diseases, and how our bodies fight against those infections. Aside from that, I learnt
about the physiology of many bacteria and their usefulness in the medical and industrial fields. In
my laboratory sessions, I also gained practical understanding of procedures in the fields of
microbiology and genetics. Presentations on various themes in class were the finest source of
learning, and I always took an active position in providing presentations. My best presentation was
on "Targeting antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium tuberculosis." I also developed,
managed, and coordinated several interdepartmental events, which aided in the development of my
leadership and communication abilities. I was always eager to engage in all departmental activities.
Apart from that, I participated in various seminars, presentation competitions, awareness programs,
and other events held outside our university. The presentation competition on HIV virus and
Hepatitis B virus at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana helped me to improve my presentation
skills, knowledge delivery, and confidence. I also learned a lot about the transmission and
prevention of HIV virus and Hepatitis B virus. In October 2018, I attended the Breast Cancer
Awareness Program at the University of Ghana Medical School in Ghana, which expanded my
knowledge about breast cancer and its early detection and treatment. During my graduation, I
worked on a modest project that helped me improve my laboratory abilities. The study was titled
"Isolation and characterization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens," and it involved isolating and
identifying A tumefaciens using several biochemical and physiological tests. A tumefaciens is very
important in anticancer investigations and other microbiological research applications.

Medical Microbiology is another subject that interests me, and I feel that it is not just a tool that
benefits individuals, but also the entire community and society as a whole. It involves the
relationship between microbiology and clinical practice, as well as the understanding underlying
the spread of germs, illness etiology, pathogen identification, and therapy. Surprisingly, there are
several diseases and disorders that may affect the human body, as well as numerous diagnostic tests
that can be performed to determine the true origin and treatment of a given ailment. I read a lot
about contemporary research in the subject of Biomedical Science, which piqued my interest in it.
Recent technology and research are improving diagnostic techniques while also paving the road for
improved and risk-free treatment and preventative strategies. For example, a study team at the
University of Ghana recently found 788 biomarkers that can inform medical practitioners several
things about cancer, such as whether a patient is at danger of the illness, whether they are clear, and
what sort of cancer they have. Another example is the new discovery of researchers at the Institute
of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, who have developed a new genetic test that can determine
which drugs will be most effective in treating ovarian tumors, allowing more patients to access the
best possible treatment for their specific needs. Advances in Biomedical Science research like these
fueled my desire to pursue a higher education in the discipline.

In addition to my academic studies after graduation, I began working at a clinical laboratory at

I am a great believer in the principle that if one must do something, one should do it properly. The
UK school system, which is well-known around the world, was an easy choice for pursuing a
Biomedical Science degree. I chose Edinburgh Napier University because, as one of the greatest
institutions in the world and one of the top five bioscience universities in England, it advocates for
the highly regarded UK education system. The extensive range of amenities available, the well-
equipped Microbiology and Molecular Biology labs, the highly experienced professors, and the
near proximity to London drew me to this university. My Master's degree at Edinburgh Napier
University will help me progress not just intellectually, but also emotionally and professionally.
Through experience, I've understood how critical it is to meet individuals from other cultures,
backgrounds, and nations. People that have great proficiency in their individual abilities make the
best teams, rather than people who share the same culture or race. Because it attracts students from
all over the world, the United Kingdom is an ideal location for this type of exposure. And, without
a doubt, the historic grandeur of the location, as well as exposure to art and theater, would
contribute significantly to my personal development.

Finally, I have decided to pursue a career in biomedical science. I want to pursue a profession that
will allow me to play a direct and positive role in improving the health of others.