I did my Masters degree in pharmaceutics from 2019 - 2020 and submitted my thesis in January 2021. At first, I had no clue how vast the field of pharmaceutics really was until I started looking at possible research topics.

The lab I was going to work in had equipment for manufacturing nanoparticles. This grabbed my attention instantly, because nanoparticle research is trending in pharmaceutics. I did a bit more research about the different types of nanoparticles and chose an area that was of interest to me. I eventually decided to create a sustained-release minoxidil-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier for the treatment of alopecia (hair loss).

This research project gave me so much of laboratory experience and I learnt how to use a lot of pharmaceutical lab equipment. Some of the instruments and methods I learnt include RP-HPLC, FTIR, UV spectroscopy, probe sonication, in-vitro release testing (using a dialysis membrane technique), formulation and pre-formulation testing.

Sometimes I found it challenging when I didn’t understand the results of my experiments or why the experiments didn’t work out at times. It was challenging going to the lab every day, even when I was mentally exhausted and needed a break. But I persevered and my thesis was very well received by both examiners.

I will never forget the adrenaline rush from conducting experiments that actually worked out and from getting good results. It was when I truly felt the most passion for the field of pharmaceutics.

While doing my Master’s, I did get some experience being a practical demonstrator. I helped demonstrate pharmaceutical chemistry practicals for third years. I also did second, third and fourth year practicals involving in-vitro dissolution studies and the manufacturing of creams, gels, suppositories, syrups, suspensions etc.