Benyapa Tangruksa is doing her Master’s in Infection biology at the University of Skövde and is a part of an important collaboration project that hope to find new therapeutic tools for heart failure.
Benyapa Tangruksa grew up in Thailand and moved to Sweden when she was sixteen. She knew at an early age that she wanted a career in science.
– I became more interested in biology, especially molecular biology, when I was in high school and learned about genetics, says Benyapa.
Exploring the cardiovascular system
Following her interest, Banyapa studied a bachelor’s programme in bioscience-molecular biodesign at the University of Skövde and just graduated this year. At the moment, she is studying a master’s programme in Infection biology and has just started working on her master’s degree project.
– I did my bachelor thesis about cardiac hypertrophy, and I was interested in exploring more about the cardiovascular system, so my professor at the University of Skövde helped me get involved in this particular project. I really enjoy working in a laboratory and I am also very excited to be part of a project that could potentially contribute to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, says Benyapa.
Company and academia in collaboration
The project Benyapa is involved in is a collaboration between industry and academia; including AstraZeneca, University of Skövde, and University of Gothenburg.
– The whole project is about the transport of genetic molecules via vesicles to the heart tissue as a therapeutic tool for heart failure. In more technical terms, my project will focus on the delivery of therapeutic mRNA molecules via exosomes to cause angiogenesis in cardiac tissues, says Benyapa.
During the project, Benyapa will mostly conduct her experiments at lab facilities at the University of Gothenburg. She will also present her project results to researchers at AstraZeneca.
A great education for further research
Benyapa is happy that she has a strong foundation from her education at the University of Skövde and is well prepared for taking part in this important project.
– The education at the University not only taught me the technical knowledge but also focus on how to perform research and how to handle unexpected problems that always happens in science experiments. It helps me a lot during my project not to get overwhelmed when facing problems and also to work independently.
Do you have any advice for people that are interested in the bachelor’s programme in bioscience-molecular biodesign at the University of Skövde?
– Don’t be afraid to consult University personnel if you need advice or struggle. They are usually very attentive to help you and take your issues seriously. Also, take advantage of a small class to build meaningful relationships with your friends and professors, they truly make the study experience ten times better.
