What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
I started with an HBO Bachelor's degree. There I had a lot of practice, but sometimes missed the theoretical depth. I wanted more depth and research really appealed to me. Fortunately, my Master's offers exactly what I missed at HBO. I now feel that my practical and theoretical knowledge are in balance!
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The atmosphere within the programme is very good. You easily come into contact with lecturers and fellow students. Almost every course has working lectures in which you have to come up with a solution or answer in groups. Lecturers and researchers often show their current or recent findings during their lectures and are always open to questions. There are also many student associations you can join.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I am currently doing an internship at the Radboudumc in the department of gynaecology, working closely with genetics. I am doing research on cancer genomics. I am very well supported and challenged to be as self-taught as possible. There are also incentives to publish an article. My research matters!
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
People with this Master's are important because there is a lot of knowledge about the biological aspects of diseases. So what happens at the DNA/protein level and how does this translate at the clinical level? We can help doctors at the biological and molecular level and they can help us at the clinical level. This is how a super cool multidisciplinary collaboration forms.
I hope to do a PhD in cancer genomics after my Master's, because I have discovered through my internships that this is where my passion really lies.