Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I'm a pharmacist from Thailand. I obtained my Bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Mahidol University, where my passion for developing drugs for the betterment of humanity took root. Following that, I pursued my Master's in Pharmaceutical Technology at King's College London. Here, I gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques and instruments, and conducted research alongside scientific experts. This prepared me for my next step, a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science at King's, where I focused on exploring the potential of nature-derived nano-carriers, called exosomes, for therapeutic applications.
My interest in this area began during my Master's research project under the guidance of Professor Khuloud Al-Jamal. I believe strongly in their potential for future advancements in both therapeutic and diagnostic tools. I have recently completed my PhD, and I am eager to further expand my expertise in the field of exosomes as a postdoc.
Looking back, did the pandemic and resulting lockdowns teach you anything you’re willing to share?
I firmly believe that the most valuable aspect of life is the time spent with family and loved ones. It's something money can't buy, and once it's gone, there's no way to turn back the clock. It's crucial to make the most of the present moment and ensure that the time spent with your loved ones is filled with positive and lasting memories.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I'm passionate about fitness – you could call me a gym rat. I'm the kind of person who can easily spend half the day at the gym, moving between weight machines and cardio sessions. Beyond that, I also have a deep love for outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. Another interest of mine is dancing, particularly street dance.
Who inspires you most and why?
At King's, I had the privilege of meeting my role model, Professor Khuloud Al-Jamal, a renowned scientist who inspired me to pursue a PhD. Her unwavering commitment to research, dedication to teaching, and guidance for students seem boundless. I see her as a pillar of strength, akin to a tungsten wall providing robust support whenever a student needs it. She possesses the ability to act like a skilled blacksmith, at times heating the 'iron' (or student) and shaping it into something truly beautiful and desirable. I aspire to inherit some of these exceptional traits from her.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I had the honor of receiving the King’s PGR International Scholarship, a prestigious award granted to one student across the entire Faculty, at my times. This scholarship not only covered my full tuition fees but also included bench fees and an annual stipend for the entirety of my four-year PhD program. I credit the MSc program at King’s, one of the best in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the world, for equipping me with the qualifications that made me a strong candidate for this distinguished award.
Another significant achievement I'm particularly proud of is my recent publication in Nature Nanotechnology. This project, which constitutes 70% of my PhD, involved extensive work that yielded valuable results and impactful insights, particularly during my 3rd and 4th years. Crafting the paper was a meticulous process; I went through 19 versions of the draft and underwent four revisions. It took a year from the initial submission, but I'm thrilled to say that the paper is now published. I take great pride in the fact that the findings from this study have the potential for a substantial impact on the development of exosomes or extracellular vesicles for therapeutic purposes. I am grateful to my collaborators in UK, Germany and Belgium for supporting this study.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Summer
Favourite London restaurant: Officina 00
Favourite cuisine: Italian and Japanese
One thing you could not go a day without: Nutrient-dense breakfast