Sharmista is pursuing a master's degree in Neuroscience at Kings College in London. She completed her B Tech in Biotechnology from Anna University in Chennai where she was encouraged to learn, share and exchange ideas through laboratory work, seminar presentations and summer internships.
Sharmista's decision to pursue a course in neuroscience at Kings College was in large part taken in the hope that she would one day get to work with Dr Anne Specker a Kings, who has been carrying out some fascinating research on cognitive and behavioral models and the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sharmista sincerely believes that the power of the brain is embedded in the way it changes with experiences and the environment to develop into a unique structure.
After her master's degree, Sharmista plans to do a doctorate in the same subject and then return to India to research human behavioral patterns and their underlying biochemical and genetic manifestations. She wants to use an interface of gene therapy and neuroscience to prevent inborn errors of metabolism and mental retardation and to lend a hand to those already suffering from any psychiatric ailments.
Jasmer has joined University College in London to pursue an undergraduate degree in Economics and Statistics. He completed his International Baccalaureate Diploma from Hastings College of Arts & Technology after which he interned with HSBC at the bank's Gurgaon and Delhi offices.
Hailing from a farming family of moderate means, Jasmer completed his secondary education in Punjab aided by a government scholarship. His IB diploma too was made possible by a scholarship from the Pestalozzi International Village Trust.
Jasmer believes that there is a pressing and unmet need for academicians and policy makers to congregate in creating effective policies to tackle the distinctive needs of the rural masses in India, especially the small-scale farmers who suffer from consistent poverty, illiteracy and a lack of resources.
He is of the strong view that a comprehensive education in economics and statistics would enable him to concentrate on research work in welfare economics and income distribution which would help reduce the gap between the rich and the poor and also benefit the poor farmers who account for over 60% of India's population.
Jasmer hopes to pursue a PhD in future and use his expertise to guide the next generation to explore and satisfy the unique needs of deprived communities. Studying at University College, he believes, would give specific direction to his career and broaden his perspective on the challenges of the Third World.
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Sharmista is pursuing a master's degree in Neuroscience at Kings College in London. She completed her B Tech in Biotechnology from Anna University in Chennai where she was encouraged to learn, share and exchange ideas through laboratory work, seminar presentations and summer internships.
