IUS student Amna Kumašin Receives Full Scholarship for Master Program in "Biosciences and Bioengineering Innovations in Precision Medicine"

International University of Sarajevo (IUS) is proud of its students who constantly work hard towards achieving their dreams. One of our successful alumni Ms. Amna Kumašin has demonstrated again how dedication and persistence can generate amazing results.

After finishing her studies in 2021 at the department of Genetics and Bioengineering at the International University of Sarajevo, Amna volunteered and worked in the field of molecular diagnostics and clinical genetics with a focus on pediatric neurology. Moreover, she dedicated her free time to publishing her first research in the field of biochemistry. In a very open and extensive interview, Amna recalls her experience during her bachelor studies at IUS and how this has paved the way for her to be accepted to a very prestigious Master Program in "Biosciences and Bioengineering Innovations in Precision Medicine” in France and Spain.

Tell us a bit about your bachelor studies and the role that IUS played in preparing you for this upcoming stage in life?

„IUS harvests a multidisciplinary approach to education, therefore, giving freedom to explore your interests and constantly develop in that domain. During my time spent at the Research and Development Center (RDC) of IUS, I have managed to gain a valuable sense of independence while working in the laboratory setting where I was able to learn even from the smallest mistakes, reflect upon them and grow from that experience, which was of great importance for a future scientist. The courage to find my path and step outside of my comfort zone was constantly met by understanding of professors who were always willing to listen, advise, and motivate me so that I may become the best version of myself while at the same time spending time in an international environment where I made long-term friendships“.

„IUS has provided me with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary in the research domain, so that I was able to move one step at a time towards my desired goals. It started by learning basic concepts of life sciences, practicing pipetting in the laboratory to working on more complex projects which would soon lead me to take part in different internship programs, and finally, my current skill set led me to an opportunity such as the master’s program which I am about to undertake.“

How was your experience applying to other universities for a Master's degree?

„My bachelor's degree created many opportunities for my further studies since our curriculum incorporates both engineering and biology related subjects, making me a fairly unique candidate based on the skill set that I possessed and further demonstrated to the Selection committee during the interviews. Universities around the world are very welcoming towards our students and are ready to engage them in various branches of genetics and biotechnology.“

How did you feel when you received a full scholarship for Master program in "Biosciences and Bioengineering Innovations in Precision Medicine"?

„When I received the acceptance letter from the University of Grenoble Alpes (France), I was shocked and honoured at the same time since I listed it as my first choice due to their prominent health studies and engineering department, hoping that this overall experience will shape me and my career in a way that I have imagined for myself.“

Could you give us some details about your future Master program?

„Master program "Biosciences and Bioengineering Innovations in Precision Medicine" is a one - year program taught entirely in English and offers to all students that have completed their former education in the field of biology, medicine or pharmacy a career in one of three different tracks: Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering and Clinical diagnostics and research. The purpose of the programe is to train students to design treatment strategies based on patient specificity (Precision Medicine, PM), to assess this specificity in terms of gene variability, along with addressing external factors such as the environment and lifestyle of individuals in order to improve prevention and create more effective disease therapies. The multidisciplinary program can be conducted in two of the three corresponding universities: Grenoble Alpes University (France), University of Barcelona (Spain), and the University of Naples Federico II (Italy).“

What do you look forward to the most about going to France and Spain for your Master degree?

„Aside from the exciting and inclusive education, advanced technology and vast internship opportunities (in industry, hospitals or academia), I am looking forward to improving my language skills, exploring the history and architecture of the cities, along with meeting new friends and future colleagues.“

What would be your advice to current IUS students?

„The best piece of advice that I can give to any student would be to try and keep the motivation and drive that got them to pursue their career of interest in the first place. Life is a vicious cycle of ups and downs, and in order to see something through, one should always refer to that individual purpose that has special meaning to them in order to truly benefit from their knowledge, job, and the world around them.“

We wish Amna best of luck in her journey to France and Spain and we look forward to hearing about her many successful projects and accomplishments in the future.