Young alumna excels in research
InternatIonal Medical University (IMU) pharmaceutical chemistry alumna, Mak Kit-Kay, published her research in three journals – Nanoscale (Impact factor 7.36; DoI: https://doi.org/10.1039/ C8NR01383G), International Journal of Food Science and Technology (Impact factor 1.64; DoI: https://doi. org/10.1111/ijfs.13762 )and Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences (https://actascientific.com/ASPS/pdf/ ASPS-02-0058.pdf) in the first quarter of 2018.
For Nanoscale (one of the highest impact factor publication by royal Society of Chemistry, UK), May worked with a team of experts in nanotechnology in a Fundamental research Grant Scheme (FrGS) project funded by the Ministry of Higher education, Malaysia.
this paper highlights new technologies to overcome the existing pitfalls in the treatment of skin infections. She believes this paper would be an excellent educational resource for students, researchers and product innovators in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
the research paper in International Journal of Food Science and Technology (Q1 journal published by taylors & Francis, under the categories of Industrial and Manufacturing engineering and Food Science) provides a simple yet effective solution to overcome the problem with storage of blueberries, highlighting a simple technique to store blueberry juice that does not require scientific expertise and can be practised in every home.
Meanwhile, the paper in Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences gives a solid understanding of the effective treatment options available for people with cervical cancer.
It is freely downloadable and provides comprehensive information on evidence-based chemotherapy options for recurrent cervical cancer.
“as a very young researcher, it is a very fulfilling experience to achieve these accomplishments, which might not be possible without the solid foundation in science planted by the IMU BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme.
“occasionally during my studies, I was puzzled as to why I am learning diverse subjects such as pharmaceutical engineering, pharmaceutical technology and pharmaceutical biotechnology apart from the core specialities in chemistry. now, I know.
“It is important to start your career right and I am glad I did mine in IMU.
“It prepared me holistically and I can transition smoothly to what I want to do. there are lots of highlights in the pharmaceutical chemistry programme that opens doors to broader career choices.
“When you feel you’re on the road going nowhere, take a moment to think of who you wish to be and shatter those mental limits. You can be what you want to be – even if it’s something that doesn’t exist yet.”
the pharmaceutical chemistry degree from IMU is accredited by the royal Society of Chemistry (rSC), UK. the course is undertaken entirely at IMU and completed in three years (six semesters).
Upon completion, graduates can enter the workforce and begin their career as chemists in pharmaceutical and other chemical industries. after obtaining the IMU BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree, those who meet the academic criteria can also continue to pursue the Master of Pharmacy programme at the University of Sydney or Curtin University in australia. they are given credit exemptions in the Master of Pharmacy programmes.
Graduates of the Master of Pharmacy degrees from these universities can register as practising pharmacists in australia and Singapore, but not in Malaysia currently.
If you have just completed your SPM and do not have a pre-university qualification, consider enrolling in the one-year IMU Foundation in Science, the direct route for entry into any of the university’s degree programmes.
■ For more details, refer to www.imu.edu.my or e-mail start@imu.edu.my or call IMU at 03-2731 7272.