Master’s Data Science (Health) Student Michelle Ortiz from Mexico Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master’s at Durham University, United Kingdom

My name is Michelle Ortiz and I’m from Mexico. I studied Nutrition and Wellness in my home country and recently completed my MSc in Data Science (Health) at Durham University. I decided to pursue further education in this field because I became increasingly interested in how data can be used to better understand and address complex health challenges, particularly in relation to nutrition, chronic diseases, and health inequalities. My goal is to combine my clinical and public health background with data science skills to create more impactful, evidence-based solutions.

British Council Women in STEM Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Women in STEM Scholarship by the British Council to study my Master’s degree at Durham University. This is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, health insurance, a monthly stipend, visa costs, and travel expenses.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was awarded a Mexican SECIHTI Scholarship for postgraduate studies in foreign countries, but I didn’t accept it because I was already awarded the Women in STEM scholarship.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate degree in Nutrition, where I developed a strong foundation in clinical nutrition and public health. I did a research internship at the University of Aberdeen, in which I worked with databases, and I realized the importance of them for tackling nutrition problems. My academic and professional experiences, particularly working with patients and communities, helped me understand the complexity of health issues and motivated me to pursue further training in data science to strengthen my analytical and research skills.

How Did You Find Information About the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship and Durham University?

During my internship in my undergraduate studies, I met many scholars doing their postgraduate studies in Aberdeen, which is how I initially realized the different funding options. Later, I did my own Google research on deadlines for applications.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I did the IELTS to be admitted to the universities. I saw a lot of YouTube preparation videos, practice exercises, and mock tests online.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship?

I did a reflection of my goal for studying what I wanted to study, then, with time, I started to make my idea clearer. I saw advice from scholars, I looked at webinars, listened to podcasts about what I was being asked in each question of the application process, and with that in mind, I started to develop my ideas and tell my own story. I put all my passion for my subject in the application.

How is Your Experience at Durham University?

Durham University was a unique experience. At the beginning was challenging to adapt to a new culture, make new friends, and adapt to a new education system; however, I always remained positive, and after my first month, I was more adapted, and I really enjoyed studying there, especially in Durham, where they have this college system that allows you to make a lot of friends.

What Did You Pursue After the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship?

During my dissertation, I realized how much I like research, and that is something I would like to continue doing. Meanwhile, I’m working as a health professional to continue helping people with diabetes have healthier lifestyles.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Having a clear problematic that I wanted to address, describe it very clearly with statistics and have a clear goal of how I was planning to contribute to solutions for that problematic. It must be specific and relevant to society. Another thing was transmitting my motivation and passion in my essays.

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

Probably prepare my application with time to make more people read my essays and give me feedback about them.

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

See this application as a self-discovery exercise to give you clarity on your purpose, goals and motivations, so even if you don’t get the scholarship you can have a clear goal of where you are going in life and you can continue building your path.