Medical dreams come to fruition for University of Northampton graduate
Date 27.06.2017
27.06.2017
A science graduate has seen her life’s ambitions come to life after completing her studies at the University of Northampton.
Belinda Chihota gained a First Class joint honours degree in Human Biosciences with Health Studies in 2015 and is already putting her expertise to good use after being awarded a fellowship in Zambia.
She has been enrolled on a year-long HealthCorps Research Fellowship with the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ). She will work on a number of important HIV and AIDS research projects, such as improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of HIV and associated infectious diseases in Africa.
Belinda, who hails from Zimbabwe, cited the diverse modules and high quality of support and mentorship at Northampton as key ingredients to her success during and beyond her time at the University.
Encouraging other interested students, Belinda said: “The best decision I made was to study at the University of Northampton as it has set me up for the career in medicine I have always wanted. The support and mentorship has been invaluable in helping me to get there.
“My advice to anyone wanting to study is to never limit yourself; studying at Northampton helped me realise this.”
Her mentor, Dr Lee Machado, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Northampton, added: “Belinda’s Joint Honours course allowed her to balance the research side of Bioscience with the social aspects of Health Studies, standing her in good stead for her Fellowship with the CIDRZ.
“As with all of our alumni, at Northampton our support of students doesn’t finish when they graduate, so we will be following Belinda’s research and career with keen interest over the months and years ahead.”