Jie Tang is a final-year PhD student in the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences at King's College London. We spoke to Jie about her research on developing a targeted drug delivery system, her time at the School, and leading the China Dragon Forum, a student group that supports Chinese international students across the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine.
Jie's research focuses on a common challenge in cancer treatment - minimizing harm to healthy tissues while attacking tumours. Her project involves creating particles that encapsulate cancer drugs, which are designed to release the drug only when they come into contact with cancer cells, due to their specific size. This targeted approach could significantly reduce the side effects often associated with chemotherapy.
In the later stages of her research, she plans to incorporate a traceable tag into the drug. "This will allow doctors to track the medication's movement within the body, enabling them to personalize drug doses for each patient based on their specific needs and how their body reacts to the treatment. Treat the patient, not the numbers," says Jie.
Beyond the remit of her research, Jie also leads the China Dragon Forum, a student group that supports Chinese international students across the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. "Upon arriving at King's, I noticed that there is a gap between Chinese students and the society at large here in the UK. Chinese PGRs (postgraduate researchers) are the second-largest group of PGRs at King's, but there were no student groups to represent our voices and interests, or to discuss the diverse opportunities we have available at King's"
The forum bridges this gap by fostering communication and connection between Chinese students and the wider King's community. Established by Jie three years ago, it serves as a vital support system for Chinese students, offering guidance on career development, academic skills, and public engagement.
For Jie, finding a supportive network is key to success. She emphasizes the importance of student groups for both academic and personal well-being, especially for international students navigating the challenges of a new city like London. "And if a group of your liking doesn't exist, I encourage my peers to go ahead and start one. It may seem daunting at first, but it will ultimately benefit the wider community of your group, as well as yourself."
Looking back on her experience at King's, Jie highlights the unique offerings of the Smart Medical Imaging CDT programme, particularly its ability to spark exploration in diverse research areas and connect students with industry professionals. "I have learnt to embrace the programme's open-minded approach and constant learning environment. You can often feel like a new starter with all the ground the programme covers, but I appreciate that the supportive network of the programme ensures that students are never alone on their academic journey."
As Jie approaches the conclusion of her PhD, she hopes to establish a career in translational medicine. Her ultimate aim is to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, paving the way for advancements in patient care.
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PhD Student
