While for some students, writing the Master鈥檚 thesis is not necessarily the most enjoyable part of the studies, for Ehab Mustafa it sparked the ever-growing interest in research on environmental toxicants. He graduated from the UEF with a Master鈥檚 degree in General Toxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment, and after that we are happy to have him continue towards PhD and work as an early stage researcher with us. Since Ehab鈥檚 graduation, the programme has evolved and is now taught under the name Master鈥檚 Degree Programme in Environmental Health and Technology (ENHET) 鈥 but it continues with the same thematics and globally burning topics.
New everything
Before applying to the UEF, Ehab graduated with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree from Ain Shams University in Egypt. He wanted to continue studies and gained a diploma in molecular biology, during which he started to develop an interest in investigating the effects of environmental toxicants at a molecular level.
And his thirst for knowledge didn鈥檛 stop, as he wanted to find the best possible way to combine his skills in molecular biology with his passion in environmental health sciences.
鈥揑 got admission to universities in Belgium, Netherland, and Austria as well. Before Finland, I had never been to any Nordic country, so exploring the far north was the main reason for finally choosing the UEF. Ever since I was a child, I have been hearing people talk about the quality of Finnish education.
These talks became a reality when Ehab moved to Finland.
鈥揑鈥檝e found a good study environment with highly qualified teachers. Beside safety and clean air, Finnish universities offer their international students state-of-the-art facilities.
However, making a new country your home doesn鈥檛 happen in a blink of an eye 鈥 and for Ehab, too, the adaptation took some time.
鈥揑 was new to everyone and everything was new to me; different culture, different food, different language, and of course, completely different type of weather. I considered it as a challenge rather that a problem, and finally I enjoyed that fact that I鈥檓 different.
Luckily, there was peer support available.
鈥揙ur student group was good. We motivated and encouraged each other 鈥 and that was also important to lessen procrastination. In a group, we learnt new study skills by observing each others鈥 habits.
Extensive lab work with latest methods
When looking back to his Master鈥檚 studies, the most intriguing part for him was definitely his Master鈥檚 thesis.
鈥揃efore that, I didn鈥檛 have a chance to perform such extensive laboratory work. While working on my Master鈥檚 thesis, I was able to expose myself to the latest methods in molecular biology and genetic toxicology. I also had the chance to get in touch with the up-to-date approaches in statistical analysis and conclusion making.
Finally, when all the work was summed up in the form of a diploma, it was a moment that Ehab will surely remember.
鈥揙f course, the most exciting moment was when I collected the Master鈥檚 degree certificate itself. Finally, after two years of hard work I had a chance to relax, celebrate, and think about the future with some confidence.
Now, Ehab continues at the same Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, but now as an early stage researcher and PhD student. His research focuses on the health effects of electromagnetic fields, solely or when combined with chemicals.
鈥揟hat could never have been possible without having my Master鈥檚 degree. Master鈥檚 studies emphasized my interests in the health effects of environmental agents. I鈥檝e learned that proper assessment of health risks is ultimately crucial in making policies that can promote people鈥檚 wellbeing and influence the success of any intervention effort.
Experts are needed
Ehab is happy to have chosen the Master鈥檚 studies at UEF and the possibility to soak himself in the world of academia. However, he reminds that the programme offers many opportunities also outside the university circles.
鈥揑t is a good stepping stone for those who seek doing doctoral studies in environmental health sciences. Besides, it provides a great opportunity to pursue a career in national and international health agencies.
Environmental risks are increasing on our planet, and there鈥檚 a need for more skilled professionals to assess risks that different environmental toxicants, such as chemicals or air pollutants, pose to us. Ehab encourages future students to consider the ENHET programme that has many paths to choose from.
鈥揟he program provides a wide range of theoretical and practical skills. From approaches in exposure assessment and epidemiology to methods in cellular and molecular biology, you will certainly find the path that you are looking for. When finishing the Master鈥檚 degree program, you will be aware of the ongoing global health issues more than ever.
Ehab鈥檚 future plans are clear.
鈥揑鈥檝e chosen academia as a career. After finishing my doctoral degree, I will seek an opportunity to continue for post-doc studies.
