Global Ambassador: Mennatallah Mohamed
Mennatallah Mohamed, from Egypt is a Ph.D. student in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy. Her present research focuses on understanding the basic physical principles governing the process of drug formulation and performance to enhance the safety and stability of drug products.
Ambassador Q & A (Questions and Answers)
Why did you choose Purdue?
I chose Purdue mainly because the research program aligned with my interests more than other universities to which I was accepted. I liked how Purdue has a large vibrant international community and how West Lafayette is a safe town compared to other big cities.
How did you decide what to study?
I loved chemistry in high school, and I wanted to combine that with my interest in drug development and the pharmaceutical industry, which is why I chose pharmacy. I wanted to be involved in the process of drug discovery and formulation; It is a very intriguing field for me, as it offers one the chance to have a direct impact on people’s lives.
What was your process for selecting a graduate school?
My selection process was based on the lab taking place in the institution’s labs. That was the most important factor that helped me form a list of schools I was going to apply to. I also considered rankings, the opportunities after graduation and the cost of living. I made an excel sheet with the requirements, the pros, and cons of each school, which helped me narrow down my list.
What is your favorite fact about Purdue?
I like that Purdue really has a huge international student population, I have always felt welcomed here and made a lot of friends. I also like that the campus is genuinely nice and extremely walkable.
Where do you spend most of your time on campus?
I am usually in the lab or in my office.
How did you decide where to live?
I chose a place where it was somewhat close to campus and on the bus route. It is a good idea to look through the reviews of different rental companies before making the final decision, as where you live will have a huge impact on your overall well-being.
Describe your commute to Purdue from Egypt.
It is normally a twenty-hour flight with transit included.
What is the biggest difference between your home country Egypt and Purdue?
The weather change was the most significant difference for me, I have never seen snow before.
How do you de-stress in your free time?
I listen to music, I love long walks, hiking, and reading. I like cleaning things because you see instantaneous results, unlike research where results are not that instant.
