Bridging the Gap: A Dual Degree Journey in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience

My name is Liling Delila, and I am a Ph.D. candidate at GIBMTE, CBME of TMU. I am currently enrolled in a dual degree program with Lille, France, and am in my final year of studies.

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After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in Indonesia and my Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from CBME of TMU, I continue to pursue my Ph.D. at TMU. My study in biomedical engineering has provided me with a thorough understanding of biomaterials and their various applications in regenerative medicine. My research topic includes the use of platelet lysates, which contain neurotrophic factors and antioxidants, and their potential roles in neuronal healing and regeneration. In Lille, my study in neurosciences have been equally fascinating, opening my eyes to the intricate workings of the brain and nervous system, particularly in neurological disorders and their potential treatments.

As a student pursuing a dual degree in two different laboratories and countries, Taiwan and France, I have had the opportunity to experience two distinct academic and cultural environments. This academic journey has not only provided me with an excellent foundation in two different laboratory fields, but has also allowed me to develop a broader perspective on how research is conducted in different parts of the world. We exchanged knowledge and skills, transporting certain techniques and experiments I learned in France to the lab in Taiwan and vice versa, which undoubtedly benefits my research and both labs.

I have gained insight into the cultural differences in research, such as communication and work ethics, which have broadened my perspective on research. In Taiwan, I interacted, learned, and discussed with fellow students, while in Lille, there were more professionals and senior researchers who pushed me to adapt and accelerate my learning abilities. Moving to a new country might be challenging, with different cultures and environments, but it has taught me to be open-minded and adaptable.

Moreover, one of the most notable benefits of pursuing a dual degree, especially in the fields of Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience, is the opportunity to bridge the gap between the two disciplines. I have come to realize how these fields interact and complement each other in the context of human health and disease.

In the future, I would be interested in working on the development of drugs or small peptides/neurotrophic factors with a new approach of delivering to target specific regions of the brain and releasing drugs in a controlled manner. As there is currently no treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, this approach could be tested to treat illnesses by delivering medications that can protect neurons or induce the formation of new neurons and could be beneficial to the future treatment of certain non-communicable diseases.

Overall, I am honored and grateful for the educational experiences that I have had experiences in both institutions, and I believe they will be valuable in my future academic and professional work.