An introduction to SikaInScience 

Allow me to introduce myself

Hello friends! Welcome to my blog!  My name is Aku Sika, and I am about to start my PhD studying Regenerative Medicine at King’s College London (KCL)! I’m passionate about neuroscience, genetics and immunology, and utilising scientific knowledge to improve people’s life. I hope you will come along with me on my PhD journey.

My journey so far!

My interest in science began during school, where I took A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. This led me to the University of Nottingham where I studied BSc Biochemistry. After my first year, I fell in love with neuroscience and decided to pick more neuro-related modules in my remaining years.

Gap Year Adventures

Three years of university and a pandemic later … I decided to take a gap year to FinD MySElF 😜. I went to Cape Town for three months with VaCorps and completed a biotechnology internship at Aliki Labs in Cape Town. The people I met and the memories I made are unforgettable.

Internship and Further Studies

Returning to the UK, I completed another internship at KCL looking at migraine pathways. Then in 2022, I earned a master’s degree from Imperial College London in Translational Neuroscience. As this was an MSc, I experienced the best of both worlds, with six months of teaching and a six-month research project on Spinal Cord Injury.

Journey to the PhD

While at Imperial, I developed a desire to pursue a PhD. After an unsuccessful round of applications, I decided to apply for research assistant roles where I could further improve my laboratory skills. I was fortunate enough to get a position as an in vivo research assistant at University College London studying Huntington’s Disease. And now I embark on my PhD at (KCL)!

Why this Blog?

I created this blog to document my PhD process and to share my love for science and research! Whether you’re pursuing a PhD or simply passionate about science, I aim to offer guidance, networking opportunities, and updates on exciting events throughout the UK.

Here’s what you can expect:

PhD Tips: Insights and advice on applications, studying, and research.

University Life: Tips on surviving and thriving in academia.

Science Facts: Enjoy interesting neuroscience facts and stay updated on my research progress.

Networking and Events: Updates on opportunities and events in the science community.

Conclusions

Come along with me on this journey! Whether you’re a fellow science enthusiast, a prospective PhD student or just curious, I hope this blog will offer valuable insights, advice and inspiration! Let’s navigate the highs and lows of pursuing a PhD, explore fascinating scientific discoveries, and uncover the many opportunities within the academic and research communities.

Stay tuned for updates, tips, and stories from my science and university life adventures. I look forward to connecting with you and building a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Let’s embark on this journey together!