Alumni Profile: Taisiia Sazonova (2022-2023)

Before coming to Oxford, I was working as a medical doctor in Ukraine and as a visiting researcher in Genomics and Metagenomics research Lab at Oslo University Hospital. I then joined the MSc in Genomic Medicine in Oxford funded by the Oxford University Graduate Scholarship for Ukraine Refugees. After finishing the MSc, I will start working on my DPhil in Medical Sciences at the University of Oxford. My project will study the genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Why did you choose the MSc in Genomic Medicine at Oxford?

I was always interested in genetics, I had experience working in this field in Ukraine and Norway. MSc in Genomic Medicine was a great chance for me to deepen my knowledge in genomics, to learn more about UK experience and gain important skills for my future research career. 

What were the highlights of the MSc in Genomic Medicine for you?

I think that the main highlight of this MSc was the opportunity to work on my research project in the third term. I received a lot of support and help from my supervisors and felt like a part of a big community! It was a great opportunity for me to use all my previous knowledge and to learn a lot of new things. 

Which specific advanced elective modules did you choose, and why?

I’ve decided to choose advanced quantitative methods (bioinformatics and statistics) because it was important for me to deepen my knowledge and improve my skills in bioinformatics and statistics. During the first term, I found the topic of gene therapy interesting for me, so I chose to learn more about it by going through Genome Engineering and Gene-based Therapeutics module.

I come from a medical background, so Genomics in Clinical Practice was a relevant module for me, to learn how to use genomics findings to help real patients and improve their quality of life. I highly recommend this elective module; it was very well organised, and we had an opportunity to be observers in the hospital departments related to genomics.  

Tell us about your MSc research project and how it contributed to your understanding of genomics and research skills.

I was working in Dr. Gillian Douglas's group where they are working on new genes that may have a causative influence on the susceptibility to developing coronary artery disease. My project was focusing on the Jcad gene and how it will influence skeletal muscle vascularization. To that, we were also developing a pipeline to analyse imaging data. This project contributed so much to my understanding of genomics, I fully understood how broad this field is. I developed my computational and wet lab skills, deepen my knowledge of statistics, and got a lot of practice in academic writing that will be so valuable for my future career. 

How do you envision the MSc in Genomic Medicine benefiting your future career or academic pursuits? 

I gain a lot of skills in bioinformatics and statistics and deepen my knowledge in genomics, got an opportunity to exchange experience with such a diverse cohort and I believe it will be highly beneficial for my future career. 

If you could offer advice to prospective students considering the MSc in Genomic Medicine at Oxford, what would it be?

I would suggest carefully considering your future career aspirations and how enrolling in the MSc in Genomic Medicine program at Oxford aligns with your goals. Don't hesitate to submit your application; the University of Oxford offers an exceptional academic environment.