23/24 Eira Francis Davies Awardee

Chimmi is the recipient of the Eira Francis Davies Scholarship for the academic year 23/24. Studying Genomic Medicine MSc, Chimmi is particularly interested in personalised medicine, with an aim to develop the skills to improve the healthcare in her home country.

Find out more about Chimmi, her motivations and what she wants to gain from studies, and how the Eira Francis Davies Scholarship has changed her life. 

Image of chimmi dema

In conversation with Chimmi

How do you feel about being awarded this scholarship? 

I feel incredibly grateful for being awarded this scholarship. It's a generous gift that changes the trajectory of my education, opening doors to opportunities I might not have had otherwise. I have a deep appreciation for the donors and selection panel who believed in my potential. It affirms that my academic pursuits and career goals are on the right track, and the financial relief that comes with this award is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, allowing me to focus more on my research and academic goals.  It fuels my ambition to achieve excellence in my studies with even more enthusiasm and to fulfil the promise that this scholarship represents.

What did you do before studying at Swansea University? 

I was working as a Medical Officer in a local Hospital in my home country and was also a part of a national Biobank project.

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? 

The innovative program, designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to apply genomic data in patient care, aligned perfectly with my ambition to be at the vanguard of personalised medicine. With a medical background already in hand, I sought a program to build on my foundation and steer me towards applying genomic data in clinical settings and improving healthcare back in my country

Why will studying your course make a difference? 

By undertaking a master's in genomic medicine at Swansea University, I will be at the forefront of a field that is relatively new to my home country. As my country prepares to establish its first biobank, the knowledge and skills I will acquire here will be invaluable in enhancing my capabilities to contribute towards advancing genomics research and applications in the country.

What are your plans/hopes for the future? 

In the short term, my plan is to immerse myself fully in the study of genomic medicine, understanding its complexities and potential. I aim to grasp not just the science behind genomics but also its ethical, legal, and social implications. In the long term, I plan to leverage this education to bring this expertise back to my home country. I anticipate that the biobank will enable us to make ground-breaking strides in identifying genetic predispositions to diseases, understanding individual patient responses to medications, and developing new genomic-based treatments.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? 

I would strongly recommend Swansea University for students who are ambitious and driven to make a difference in the world. The university not only offers a robust academic program but also fosters a culture of innovation that encourages students to think critically and creatively. It is especially suited for students who are not only seeking excellent academic training but also a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

The standout feature of Swansea University that I truly appreciate is the extensive academic support offered at no extra cost. I have personally benefitted from a variety of free programs aimed at enhancing my academic skills, including specialised courses on academic writing, dissertation preparation and research writing guidance. These resources have been instrumental in refining my abilities and ensuring that I am well-equipped to tackle the demands of higher education with confidence and competence.

What has been the highlight of your experience at Swansea University so far? 

The most remarkable aspect of my time at Swansea University has been the empowering atmosphere created by the exceptionally supportive lecturers and supervisors. Their friendliness, coupled with their readiness to offer guidance at any time, has made a significant impact on my studies. The affirmation I have received in my course has deeply enriched my educational experience, making it both rewarding and personally validating.

How do you find Swansea as a place to study and live? 

Swansea University, nestled near the coastline, provides a unique blend of natural beauty and scholarly pursuit that has offered me a peaceful yet stimulating backdrop for my education. The diversity at Swansea University is not only academic but also social, with a warm and inclusive community of locals and internationals that enriches the transition to this new setting.