Alumni Spotlight: Vishnuga, MSc Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology

What is your fondest memory of your time at UCL?

I really enjoyed the group work in one of our modules (Fundamental Principles of Infection and Population Health) where we were given a scenario and had to work through the problem at hand, whilst collaborating with team members. I enjoyed being able to translate the knowledge from lectures into a real-life problem and being given the resources to tackle this, whilst working in a team and learning from each other. I often remember this project and how it developed throughout the term, with great memories of the group work.

Please tell us a bit about the work you are doing now

I am currently working as a research assistant in epidemiology at the UCL Institute for Global Health on a feasibility study to understand the consequences of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

How did your UCL degree help you get to where you are now?

The degree provided me with the epidemiological skills and knowledge to work in epidemiology, particularly because the programme gave us the opportunity to apply knowledge to real-life problems. I was able to take the wealth of knowledge and skills and translate that effectively to my current work.

What would be your advice for current students?

The degree gives you exceptional knowledge and skills, so take every opportunity to develop this throughout the degree and after. For me, this course gave me the confidence to work in epidemiology and I want to emphasise that you should take advantage of the diverse cohort you meet through the degree to expand your knowledge, views and experience at UCL!