Aisha Cooper
Undergraduate Biochemistry Student, Year 4
Department of Biochemistry
Tell us a bit about your background
Throughout school I enjoyed science lessons as they were a way of satisfying my fundamental curiosity in how things work. I was inspired by a series of wonderful female science teachers, who never failed to answer my questions and fed my desire to continue to understand the world around me. Initially my specific interest in the life sciences started by a slight morbid interest in rare diseases, spending hours on Wikipedia reading about them. By A level this had evolved into an intrigue as to the molecular mechanisms by which life occurs, and this led me to pursue biochemistry at university.
To prospective students I would just say follow what interests you down whichever rabbit hole it leads. I would spend hours watching YouTube videos and reading articles on topics that sparked my interest. Science is accessible from so many different types of media and I think engaging with what interests you is the key to developing a true passion for your field.
What is the most meaningful or most interesting aspect of your studies?
I have found the 4th year research project to be the part of the course I have enjoyed the most. Being able to pursue your own line of investigation, whilst being surrounded by so many brilliant scientists has been a wonderful learning experience.
Can you tell us about something you've done, contributed to that you're most proud of?
Outside of science I am particularly passionate about sport, having gained a blue for netball and served as President of the university’s netball club in my third year. I currently sit on both the Sports Federation Executive Committee and Atalanta’s Society Committee. Before the start of the 2020/2021 academic year, I co-founded the successful Save Oxford Sport campaign to protect access to the University’s sport’s facilities. I know personally sport has been so important to my personal development and being able to share my passion for sport and support other female athletes during my time at university, through my work on the various committees, has been a real privilege.
What changes would you most like to see in the Medical Sciences in the next 100 years?
I think really exciting advances are being made in diagnostics, however it’s important to address inequality in this area. The continued development of affordable and accessible diagnostic tools I think is an important contributor to battling this inequality.