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School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

Student Spotlight: Meet Ana Carolina Moreno

We caught up with Ana, one of our postgraduate students studying AI in the Biosciences, to talk about her journey exploring the programme, her challenges, and the transformative potential of this cutting-edge field.

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What inspired you to choose the Artificial Intelligence in the Biosciences programme, and what excites you most about this interdisciplinary field? 

During my third-year research project, I found that while lab work was interesting, I was way more interested in analysing the data collected. I realized that the value of data lies in its analysis and how they can translate into actionable insights and solutions. When I started learning about AI, I saw the huge potential it has in science. Combining AI with biosciences can lead to some amazing breakthroughs in understanding genetic patterns, optimizing research methods, and advancing personalized medicine - an area I am particularly passionate about. 

Can you share an example of a project or research where you applied AI techniques to solve a biological problem? 

I recently worked on a project where we used machine learning to predict if drugs could cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB protects our brain but also makes it hard for drugs to reach it. Traditional methods to test this are super slow and expensive—it can take more than a decade to find out if a drug might work! By using AI to analyse drug properties, we could speed up the process and help find new treatments for brain diseases more efficiently. It’s amazing to see how AI can transform such a complex and lengthy process into something much more manageable and innovative. 

How does the curriculum integrate AI and biosciences, and what kind of support do you receive from faculty in navigating these complex subjects? 

The curriculum mixes AI and biosciences really well through a blend of theory and hands-on lab work. I started this master’s with no coding experience, but I began coding during my very first lecture. It was a plunge into the deep end, but the faculty at Queen Mary made it manageable. We didn't just learn to code, there was always a problem to solve. This made the learning process more creative and engaging. The faculty was super supportive, offering guidance and feedback to help us navigate these complex subjects effectively. 

How have you found the facilities? 

The facilities have been very helpful, especially the Careers Service. They offer internships, career taster sessions, 1;1 appointments, and there is an online programme to look at your CV. I applied for an internship position back in January and got an appointment to go through my CV and cover letter and also then to prepare for the interview. The Career service was so helpful and made it a smooth process, being flexible at short notice. I was lucky enough to get offered the position of a Data Mining Intern, and I will be working with a start-up called Good Mind to build an app to help people make more sustainable choices by selling or upcycling products. I will be monitoring data and looking at data from competitors to see what's around etc. One of my colleagues at the company is also a QMUL Graduate!

In what ways has the Artificial Intelligence in the Biosciences programme prepared you for your future career or further academic pursuits?

The program has given me a solid grounding in both AI and biosciences, along with lots of practical experience. This mix has set me up well for a variety of careers, whether that's in biotech, further academic research, or developing AI-driven healthcare solutions. While I'm not yet sure what I'll pursue after I graduate, I definitely feel like I have a competitive edge, especially with AI becoming more and more integral in various fields.

To find out more about our Artificial Intelligence in the Biosciences MSc, please visit our programme page.

 

 

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