Building a Future in Biotechnology: Nelly Oruwari’s DCU Story
Nelly Oruwari, a graduate of MSc in Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, recently shared how studying at DCU helped build on her background in Medical Laboratory Science and develop the skills to pursue a career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. Read her full testimonial below:
Why did you choose Ireland as the place to pursue your master’s degree?
I chose Ireland because the program I wanted was more affordable for me here. During my search for the course I wanted, I discovered Ireland’s strong reputation in life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. Ireland also offered excellent opportunities to gain international experience while developing skills that are highly relevant to modern diagnostics and precision medicine.
What master’s degree did you study and why was DCU the right fit for your career goals?
I have a background in Medical Laboratory Science and wanted a broader understanding of data analysis, genomics and molecular diagnostics, that’s why I chose Diagnostics and Precision Medicine. DCU had a strong reputation for excellence in science and research, which gave me confidence it was the right fit for my career goals.
What was your favourite part of the course? Was there any module, project, or lecturer that had a strong influence on your learning or professional development?
The lecturers were wonderful during the course. Biostatistics and Precision Medicine influenced my professional development. My knowledge on diagnostic medicine shifted from a general and laboratory aspect to a person- centred diagnosis, and treatment. I especially enjoyed projects involving molecular biology, bioinformatics, and cancer research, where I used techniques such as qPCR, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and bioinformatics analysis with Galaxy. These experiences strengthened my analytical thinking and showed me how research can translate into real clinical impact.
How did the programme help you stand out in the job market?
The programme gave me a combination of analytical, and computational skills that are increasingly valued in healthcare and the life sciences industry. It also strengthened my scientific knowledge, it improved my problem-solving, data interpretation, and research skills.
Can you describe your career path after graduation? What was your first job, and how has your career evolved over time?
Before my Masters, I worked as a Medical Lab Scientist, where I gained experience in clinical diagnostics, quality management, and regulated laboratory environments. While completing my studies I worked with a Healthcare company. Today, I am focused on building a career in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, where I can combine my scientific background with research, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
What was your experience with the campus offerings and resources? Did you participate in clubs or other extracurricular activities?
DCU was a very supportive environment. The lecturers were approachable, and the university provided excellent learning resources, library facilities, and career support. While balancing my studies with part-time work meant I wasn't heavily involved in club activities, I enjoyed the classroom collaborative group projects.
What was the highlight of your time at DCU, and was there a defining moment or achievement that stands out?
The highlight of my time at DCU was successfully completing my research projects and seeing how the knowledge I gained could be applied to real healthcare challenges. A defining moment was presenting and completing my work in precision medicine, which reinforced my passion for improving patient outcomes through innovation.
What is your best piece of advice for international students who want to study at DCU and work in Ireland?
People skills are very important. Be open to learning both in and out of classrooms. Start developing your professional network early, and tailor your CV to the Irish Job market, if you plan to work in Ireland.