From pharmaceutical science to healthcare innovation: Amal’s journey

When you first joined Kingston University to study pharmaceutical science, what did you imagine your career would look like?

I imagined my degree would lead to a fairly linear career in drug development or research. I was interested in science and research, but I didn’t really see myself as an entrepreneur or someone who would develop my own ideas into something that could be used in industry.

How has that changed during your time at Kingston?

I wouldn’t say I was particularly enterprising before joining Kingston University, but Future Skills really pushed that forward.

I learned how to take a concept and explain it in a way others can understand – even when it’s quite scientific. That ability to communicate ideas clearly has been invaluable, and it’s shifted my thinking too.

Was there a particular experience that sparked your interest in innovation and entrepreneurship? 

A defining moment was taking part in the annual Bright Ideas competition. It challenges students to think entrepreneurially and apply their knowledge to practical problems, with the opportunity to pitch their ideas in a Dragons’ Den-style format for funding.

Through the competition, I developed OHX, a handheld breath device designed to give chemotherapy patients quick, non-invasive, real-time feedback. I was really proud to receive the People’s Choice Award, which was voted for by the audience at the event.

How did Future Skills help you develop the confidence to take part?

I used to be quite reserved and lacked confidence speaking in front of others. Through the ongoing support, presentations and dedicated sessions to developing these graduate attributes, I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

Future Skills has helped me grow – not just academically, but personally by giving me the confidence to keep improving.

How have you developed your ability to work with people from different disciplines?

As part of the Apply phase of Future Skills, I collaborated with marketing students to pitch an idea to lecturers. The idea was a patch to monitor the use of warfarin, a commonly used blood-thinning drug.

Working with marketing students gave me a completely different perspective. They asked questions and brought ideas we hadn’t considered from a scientific point of view, which really helped me think about how to present and position my idea more effectively.

It showed me how valuable it can be to work with people who approach a problem from a completely different perspective.

What other Future Skills experiences have helped prepare you for life after university?

I took part in a mock assessment centre and also completed a summer internship working with PhD researchers.

The simulated assessment experience was really valuable, especially as it was my first time doing one in person. It gave me a good insight into how the process works and how to conduct myself in that environment. We also had the chance to deliver a presentation, which I really enjoyed. Presenting to people I hadn’t met before helped build my confidence.

How has your approach to research changed?

My approach to research has really changed. I’m still interested in it, but I’m now much more focused on how ideas can be applied to achieve outcomes that can benefit society and that are commercially viable.

Future Skills has helped me think more broadly about the impact of what I do, beyond a narrow academic mindset. I’m much more interested in thinking about how research can become something practical that solves real problems.

What are you hoping to explore after graduation?

I want to explore developing a business while also gaining experience in robotics and computing to complement my pharmaceutical science background. I’m interested in keeping my options open and seeing how I can combine those different areas. I’d like to explore how some of the ideas I’ve developed could potentially become something of my own, including a business.

Does having an open-ended career path feel daunting?

Not really. I feel confident in my ability to adapt and take opportunities as they come. It’s made me feel excited about what comes next and encouraged me to take my ideas seriously and explore how they could develop into something of my own.

What do you think has been the biggest change in you since starting university?

I’ve become much more confident and willing to step outside my comfort zone. I’ve learned that I don’t have to limit myself to one particular career path just because of what I studied. Future Skills has helped me develop the mindset to see opportunities in different areas and think about how my skills can be applied in different ways.

What has it been like for your lecturers to see that development?

Dr Mariko Kishi, Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Science said: "It has been a privilege to watch Amal’s transformation during her time at Kingston University. When I first taught her, she was a conscientious and capable student with a keen attention to detail. Over time, she developed the confidence, leadership and entrepreneurial mindset to thrive beyond the laboratory. Through projects that challenged students to apply scientific knowledge to real-world problems, she found her voice and embraced opportunities that pushed her outside her comfort zone."

Looking back, what has Future Skills given you that you’ll take into your career?

Future Skills has given me the confidence and practical experience to take my ideas beyond the lab and think about how they could work in the real world. It’s taught me how to communicate ideas, work with people from different disciplines and approach problems from different perspectives.

Most importantly, it’s encouraged me to take my ideas seriously. I now feel much more confident about exploring opportunities, adapting to new challenges and thinking about how my work could make a difference to society.

Discover how Future Skills can help you shape your future, whatever your career ambitions.