Chancellor’s International Scholarship Recipient, Dr. Andrea Dsouza from India, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Warwick

My name is Dr. Andrea Dsouza, and I am from Mangalore, India. I am a Post-doctoral Research Associate in Biomedical Sciences at Warwick Medical School, working with Professor Meera Unnikrishnan. My research focuses on bacterial diagnostics and microphysiological models for infectious diseases.

I have always been fascinated by how engineering and material sciences innovations can be applied to address some of the world’s most pressing healthcare problems. My passion lies in making healthcare more accessible through diagnostics. During my PhD, I set out to tackle one of the most urgent global health challenges: urinary tract infections (UTIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide and are a major driver of antibiotic resistance, largely due to the lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic tools.

Chancellor’s International Scholarship Details

I was awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the University of Warwick. This highly competitive award covered my tuition fees and provided a stipend, enabling me to fully dedicate myself to my PhD research on rapid diagnostics for UTI-AMR.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biotechnology at the School of Life Sciences, Manipal University, India, and my Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology with Distinction at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India.

My journey in infectious disease diagnostics began at OmiX Research & Diagnostics, where I worked on rapid detection assays for malaria, UTIs, AMR, tuberculosis, and sepsis. These early experiences confirmed my passion for diagnostics and my desire to integrate engineering tools with biology to solve real-world healthcare problems.

I was then fortunate to join the Toley Laboratory for Paper-Based Microfluidic Technologies at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India. There, I worked on developing a paper-based sputum storage and transportation device for tuberculosis diagnostics. This experience, combined with my industry and academic background, convinced me that I wanted to join a microfluidics or engineering-focused laboratory to continue building innovative diagnostic solutions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Warwick?

When I decided to pursue a PhD, I cast my net wide, applying to universities across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe. My strategy included:

• Applying directly to PhD programs through university portals.
• Reaching out to Group Leaders whose research aligned with my interests.

Writing directly to potential supervisors proved extremely valuable; it helped me understand where I could fit in and how I could contribute meaningfully to their research.

As part of the application process, I took the GRE General Exam (not the subject-specific one), as well as the TOEFL and IELTS, to meet varying requirements across institutions.

I was shortlisted for several programs and participated in multiple interviews. These experiences taught me that there are many pathways to selection, but one of the most pivotal moments in my journey was my interview with Dr. Jérôme Charmet, who was to become my main supervisor. Following that successful interview, I formally applied to Warwick and was fortunate to be selected for the Chancellor’s International Scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chancellor’s International Scholarship?

I carefully tailored my application to emphasize not only my academic performance but also my prior diagnostic research experience and my long-term vision of developing clinically actionable solutions at the interface of microbiology and engineering.

My statement of purpose highlighted both my technical expertise and my mission of making healthcare more accessible worldwide. I also sought valuable feedback from mentors and peers to refine my essays and strengthen my application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it demonstrated a combination of strong research credentials and a clear, purposeful vision. My prior work in diagnostics at OmiX and IISc showed that I was already committed to this path, while my proposal to develop rapid UTIAMR diagnostics demonstrated how my PhD research could make a tangible global impact.

This blend of proven expertise and future potential likely convinced the selection committee of my suitability for the award.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I could go back, I would start building my network of supervisors and collaborators earlier. Writing to Group Leaders was extremely beneficial, and doing so sooner would have given me even more clarity on where I best fit.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

• Start early and cast your net wide. Apply to multiple institutions and scholarships to increase your chances.
• Contact potential supervisors. Writing to Group Leaders not only helps identify your fit but also shows initiative and can set you apart.
• Prepare well for interviews. They are just as much about your fit with the lab and supervisor as they are about your technical expertise.
• Be authentic. Share your story, your motivations, and how your past experiences connect with your long-term goals.