Saharah Noor Dussoye | Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences

Name: Saharah Noor Dussoye
Course: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (NUMed)
Year of graduation: 2024
Current role, organisation and industry: Quality Associate, Aspen Global Incorporated, Pharmaceutical Industry
Country of Origin: Mauritius

Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?

I choose to study at Newcastle University because of its strong academic standing and its commitment to research. I especially choose Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University because of the design of the course, it allowed me to study a variety of modules that allowed to really explore my interest in the field of medical sciences. I was also drawn to the vibrant and welcoming city of Newcastle, which was an added bonus for me!

What did/do you love about Newcastle University?

I loved the teaching style and atmosphere of Newcastle University. All the lecturers are extremely supportive of your learning and are there to always help out. There are so many opportunities to go interact with lecturers and other academic staff. The academic support has been outstanding. The atmosphere, outside of lecture rooms, is also incredible. There’s always something to get involved in societies, volunteering and NCL internships. Newcastle itself is a fantastic placed to be a student in, full of culture and lively with friendly people.

What did you enjoy most (or least!) about your course?

I loved studying different modules and really learn about the different aspects of biomedical sciences. The course really allowed me to explore my interest in the human body and diseases development. The course was a great combination of theoretical learning and practical lab experiences. The final-year research project with the Translation and Clinical Research Institute, was my favourite part of the course as this really gave me hands-on skills and taught me how to think critically and be part of the real-world effort to understanding the impact of genetics on cancer.

Tell us a little bit about career journey. How did you get into what you do now?

I always had an interest in drug development and the pharmaceutical world. So, after graduating in 2024, I returned back to my home country, Mauritius, to pursue my professional career. With my background in biomedical sciences and luck, I managed to end up at Aspen Global Incorporated, an international Pharmaceutical operations company, in the Quality Assurance and Compliance Department where I started as a Junior Quality Associate and recently became a Quality Associate.

What do you enjoy most about your current job?

What I enjoy the most about my current role is the sense of purpose that comes from ensuring pharmaceutical products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Knowing that my work contributes to delivering safe and effective medicines to patients around the world is incredibly reward. The Quality Pharmaceutical Industry is also extremely dynamic where no one day is the same and there is always something new to learn every day.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career journey?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faces was transitioning from being university student to a highly regulated industry role in pharmaceutical quality assurance. While Newcastle University gave me a solid foundation in biomedical sciences, stepping into a Quality role required me to quickly learn regulatory frameworks, compliance to international GMP standard and expectations of working in a compliance-driven environment.

How did your course and experiences at Newcastle University prepare you for your current role?

My degree in Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University gave me a strong scientific foundation that I am able to apply in my role. The course at Newcastle teaches skills such as critical thinking and data analysis, and its emphasis on independent learning and professional development, have given me confidence in my current role.

The final-year research project also taught me how to manage large sets of data, follow protocol, and troubleshoot problems, something I now do daily in a quality context. Overall, my experience at Newcastle has prepared me both technically and professionally and allowed me to thrive in the pharmaceutical industry.

What other things did you do at University which helped you to get where you are now?

For me, the NCL Internships I did with the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences and School of Psychology, were really the gateway to the professional world. They gave me practical, hands-on experience and exposed me to real workplace environments, which helped me understand how to apply my academic knowledge in a professional context. The internships also helped me develop key skills like teamwork, time management and effective communication, all necessary skills for life. I also got involved in volunteering, which gave me so much joy and confidence that I am able to translate to my work as well.

What one piece of advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started?

Take your time to really learn about all your interests and get involved at the University, be it with societies or volunteering. Newcastle University is full of opportunities so really take your time to explore everything and enjoy your next years in the Uni and in the city!

What support do you wish you had when you first started? And are there any resources that you would recommend to people?

I would strongly recommend reaching out the Newcastle University staff. Everyone is extremely welcoming and supportive to any questions you may have.