Growth, opportunity and the power of support

Honouring an opportunity to grow
Having completed my MSc degree with the support of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation and its enriching workshops, I felt a deepened sense of agency and a strong desire to honour the opportunities given to me. I was committed to growing as a scientist and researcher, and I believed the best way to do that was by collaborating with leading global experts in my field.

The next right thing: a door opens at Kent
In 2022, I was offered a fellowship to visit the University of Kent and join Professor Hiscock’s research group. While it felt like the "next right thing" for me— unfortunately the financial support required, wasn’t available at the time.

The gift of the SJMS Scholarship
That’s why the MRF’s SJMS Scholarship has been such a profound blessing. It didn’t just bridge a financial gap—it opened the door for me to expand into the kind of independent researcher and future industry leader I aspire to be. Access to expert training and world-class research has the power to transform not only a career, but a life.

Since beginning my PhD in Supramolecular-Self-Associating-Amphiphiles and their water solubility in ionophores* at the University of Kent, my life has changed holistically. Academically, I’m now supervised by a pioneering researcher in a field I’m passionate about. Personally, my husband and I—married for just over a year—relocated to the UK, embracing a new culture and way of life. The experience has stretched us and helped us grow as global citizens.

Learning that doesn't stay on paper
The education and research I’m engaged in demands application beyond the lab—it’s practical, impactful, and positions me to be at the forefront of innovation in the chemical sciences. To reflect on this journey, I created a blog called Molecular Memoirs, hosted by the University of Kent. What started as a simple PhDiary has become a deeply personal record of growth, challenges, and discovery.

In posts like "Four months of a Chemistry PhD" and "Concluding the term", I reflect on adjusting to new responsibilities and small, often overlooked, milestones. I’ve written about support systems, the ups and downs of academic life, and the importance of routines in maintaining mental well-being. As an international student, I’ve also shared what it means to find belonging in a new environment.

A journey of growth, resilience and purpose
Writing this blog has helped me process my journey in real time and, hopefully, supported others along the way. For me, the PhD has become more than a research project—it’s a path of resilience, reinvention, and self-discovery.

If I were to offer any insights or advice to future SJMS applicants, I would say this:

Don’t let impostor syndrome convince you that you don’t belong. Sometimes we step forward with courage and confidence—other times, we move ahead even when our knees are shaking.

Keep your bigger vision in mind—its potential impact and what you need to grow into the thought leader you’re meant to be—and then go for it!

*Supramolecular Self-Associating Amphiphiles (SSAs)— are molecules that self-assemble through hydrogen bonding into larger structures like micelles. These SSAs can be used for a range of practical applications, including antimicrobial agents and antibiotic adjuvants to combat drug-resistant bacteria. They also show promise in environmental remediation, as they can absorb polar micropollutants from water. Additionally, Pinky’s research group explores their use in designing decontamination technologies for hazardous substances. Overall, the research integrates chemistry and real-world challenges to create impactful, solution-oriented materials**.**

Read Pinky’s blog here: https://blogs.kent.ac.uk/chemfs/author/tjg/