High throughput genetic approaches to identify targets for new antimalarial drugs / From Anticancer to Antimalarial Agent: Repositioning Quarfloxin

I am applying to the aforementioned projects because I am passionately interested in the study of infectious disease. I have an extensive theoretical and practical background in parasitology, particularly the study of the neglected tropical diseases leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis and this has imbued in me the desire to pursue a research career in this field. I am further intrigued by the translational aspect of the study of parasitic infections, primarily how new therapies can be discovered, designed and implemented to reduce disease burden worldwide. I am keen to participate in research at the precipice of drug discovery and therapeutic development in infectious disease and I am acutely aware of the significance of the Malaria-causing Plasmodium species as significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in the developing world. I am excited by the projects offered concerning these themes and I am aspiring to forge my research career in the esteemed labs and institutes hosting the projects. I would relish the opportunity to work under excellent researchers such as Dr Julian Rayner and Dr Catherine Merrick because they are conducting outstanding and impactful research and are endeavoring to make a tangible impact in Plasmodium science and I believe undertaking my PhD project with their guidance and tutelage would permit me make my own telling contribution to the field.