Sara Majernikova
Student spotlight details
With a background in biomedical sciences, Sara joined Oxford’s MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics to pursue her interest in drug discovery and neuroscience. Her dissertation at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute was an invaluable experience in aiding her ambition to advance treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
'I’m originally from Slovakia and completed my BSc in Biomedical Sciences at UCL, specialising in drug mechanisms. I’ve always been deeply interested in neuroscience and drug discovery, especially in understanding neurodegenerative diseases. I was very fortunate to complete my MSc dissertation at the University of Oxford under the excellent supervision of Dr Katerina Gospodinova and Professor Emma Mead at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute (ODDI), where I gained invaluable experience in translational neuroscience research, project planning and experimental design, skills I’m eager to build on in my future career.
'I was drawn to the MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics at Oxford because of its unique combination of scientific depth and practical application. The course offers an exceptional opportunity to explore every stage of the drug discovery and development pipeline, from molecular design and biomarker discovery to clinical trials and personalised medicine. I was particularly attracted by the flexibility within the module content to follow my interests, the opportunity to learn directly from leading researchers in experimental therapeutics, and Oxford’s strong emphasis on translating molecular and cellular discoveries into real clinical benefit. This balance between academic rigour and translational focus perfectly aligns with my goal of contributing to the development of innovative, mechanism-based therapies.
'The first essays were definitely the most challenging, as they required adapting to a new academic style and depth of analysis. However, the detailed feedback and clear structure of each module made a huge difference, and the guidance from tutors really helped me improve and gain confidence as the course progressed.
'The most rewarding part was meeting so many inspiring people, both fellow students and lecturers, who were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and supportive. I learned a lot from their different perspectives and experiences. I especially appreciated Dr. Elaine Johnstone’s guidance and encouragement throughout the course, as well as the exceptional teaching and opportunities that came with being part of the Oxford community.
'This MSc has made a real difference to how I think and work as a researcher. Through my dissertation, I gained hands-on experience in experimental planning, data analysis, and critical decision-making, all under excellent supervision from Dr. Gospodinova and Prof. Mead from the ODDI. Their guidance helped me develop a much deeper understanding of how to design, troubleshoot and communicate research effectively. With a PhD now on the horizon, I’m excited to build on these skills and continue growing as an independent scientist.
'My immediate plan is to complete my MSc successfully and then begin a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge, where I’ve been conditionally accepted. I hope to build on the skills and research experience I’ve gained during my MSc, particularly in translational neuroscience and experimental design in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
'If you’re considering applying to the MSc, I’d say the most important thing is to know why you want to do the course and stay connected to that motivation throughout, as it really helps during the more intense periods. The MSc can be demanding but incredibly rewarding, so good time management and organisation are essential. Take advantage of the opportunities to engage with lecturers and peers, as the discussions and feedback are invaluable. Finally, don’t forget to look after yourself. Balancing work and wellbeing makes a real difference to how much you enjoy and get out of the experience.'
