In the ever-evolving field of medical science, curiosity and persistence drive innovation. Annu Gulia, an alumna of Apeejay Stya University, exemplifies this spirit. A graduate of the MSc Clinical Research batch of 2022, Annu’s journey in research has been fueled by a relentless quest to answer the ‘why’ behind medical phenomena. In this insightful conversation, she shares her inspirations, challenges, and perspectives on the world of clinical research.
What inspired you to pursue a career in research?
From an early age, I was always curious about medical science. I often questioned why certain diseases occurred, why a specific diagnosis was given, and why particular medicines were used over others. I didn’t even realise at that time that this process of questioning was the essence of research. It was a natural inclination – I wanted to find the cause behind every medical phenomenon I encountered. That deep curiosity eventually led me into the field of research.
Can you tell us about your first major research project?
My first significant research project was during my internship at Jamia, where I worked on the preparation of curcumin from Curcuma longa and its mechanism in the autophagy of breast cancer. It was an intense learning experience. Performing cell culture for the first time was challenging, but once I achieved successful results, it felt incredibly rewarding. It was like my first ‘baby project,’ and I’ll never forget the excitement of seeing my research come to life.
What challenges have you faced in your research career?
I’ve been fortunate to have unwavering support from my parents. They never imposed any restrictions on my academic choices, which allowed me to explore my passion freely. While research has its difficulties, such as experiments failing or results taking time, I never saw them as obstacles but rather as part of the process.
Are there any current trends in clinical research that excite you?
Absolutely! Right now, I’m deeply involved in gut microbiome research. It’s a vast and continuously evolving field. Every day brings new insights and challenges. Some days, it feels frustrating when experiments don’t go as planned, but that’s what makes research exciting – you have to keep going, reanalysing, and trying again.
What skills are essential for success in medical research?
A researcher needs to be proficient in both wet lab and dry lab techniques. Wet lab skills include molecular biology techniques like PCR, cell cultures, and chromatography. But that’s just half of it. You also need strong data analysis skills to interpret your results accurately. If you can master both aspects, you can truly excel in research.
Any personal milestones you’d like to share?
One of the biggest achievements of my career so far has been the opportunity to present my research in Switzerland. It was a proud moment to represent my work on an international platform, and it reaffirmed my passion for clinical research.