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RMS alumna Jess (Class of 2021) has gone on to achieve a First Class BSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Queen Mary University of London.
We caught up with Jess to hear more about her undergraduate journey, her award-winning research into neurodegenerative diseases, and how her RMS experience helped shape her passion for science and supporting others in STEM.
I’m Jess, and I’m graduating with a first in BSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London this summer. I attended RMS from Year 6 through to Year 13, leaving in Summer 2021.
During my time at RMS, I was shaped into the confident, go-getter I am today. I served as the Veterinary President of the MedVetDent Society, participated in Young Enterprise, and volunteered as a science mentor, which sparked my interest in supporting others in STEM. After RMS and outside of academics, I have grown a passion for powerlifting. I’ve competed at the British University Championships (BUCs), which has been an incredible experience in building discipline and resilience alongside my studies.
What initially sparked your interest in studying brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases?
What first drew me into the project was my advisor’s enthusiasm and deep understanding of the subject; His passion was infectious and made me eager to learn more. Sitting in his MSc Drug Discovery with AI lectures broadened my perspective and extended my learning beyond the undergraduate curriculum. Using computational methods like molecular docking exposed me to novel methods adopted in the pharmaceutical industry, and it was incredibly fulfilling to work on research with real translational potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
What excites you most about the potential real-world impact of your project?
My project focused on looking how a drug candidate in clinical trials targeted a protein in the brain (THIK-1), which is implemented in the progression of brain degeneration. THIK-1 plays a role in regulating microglial activity and brain inflammation, so targeting it could offer a new therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases. What excites me most is the idea that this early-stage computational research could contribute to real-world drug development, potentially improving lives of patients to common chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
How did it feel to win the Prize for Project Work in Physical/Theoretical Chemistry?
It was a huge honour! I was genuinely surprised and incredibly grateful. It felt like a real validation of all the hard work I’d put into the project, especially since it involved learning a lot of new computational techniques outside my usual comfort zone. It was just as a surprise to my advisor who also deserved the recognition as he was incredible throughout the project process.
Are you planning to continue this research in postgraduate study or industry?
I’m currently continuing the project work over the summer in a research placement alongside my advisor and PhD students. In September, I’ll be starting a master’s in Drug Discovery and Pharma Management at UCL. After that, I’m hoping to enter the pharmaceutical industry, in hope to attain a role that combines scientific innovation with real-world application, whether in R&D or on the commercial side.
What advice would you give to current RMS students thinking about careers in science or research?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s to teachers, professors, or researchers. At university, these are the people with years of knowledge and expertise, and they’re often more than happy to share it when a student shows genuine interest in their field. I’d also encourage students to say yes to opportunities, even if they feel intimidating at first.
Whether it’s a research placement, a club leadership role, or a science competition, these experiences push you outside your comfort zone and that’s where real personal and professional growth happens. Taking those chances can shape your confidence and help you discover what you're truly capable of.
Congratulations to Jess on her outstanding achievements in the pharmaceutical world, and thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us!
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