Spotlight on Eileen Hulambuke – PhD Candidate, University of Auckland.

1. Can you tell us about yourself and your current studies?

I am a graduate pharmacist and have worked for private sector before being employed with the National Department of Health, Pharmaceutical Services Standard Branch as a Biotech and Medical Device Evaluator. I am currently pursing PhD in Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Prior to that, I have completed Post Graduate

Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science and Master in Pharmaceutical Science and Pharmacology. My current research project focuses on design and development of a safe, effective, minimally invasive and painless delivery option, which is better than painful subcutaneous insulin injection to treat diabetes type 1. The aim is to improve patient compliance and treatment outcome.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sciences?

Inspired by my academic journey and my role as a quality evaluator for medical products, I was determined to explore deeper to understand the fundamentals of various drug delivery systems, formulation design parameters including drugs’ physicochemical properties that influences drug release kinetics from dosage forms, drug absorption and effect – pharmacokinetics properties, that may impact the quality of the finished product.

3. What challenges have you faced as a woman pursuing advanced studies in science?

For me as a mother pursing this journey in pharmaceutical science is obviously challenging, my foremost challenge is struggling to manage time between my children and my research. I don’t have the luxury of time attending to my children and conducting lab experiments, learning new experimental technology, design and statistical software, and of course writing and literature searching. Besides, in science, lab experiments do not always produce data you expected at once, which requires more time for repeated experiments and literature search. Another challenge initially was the lack of exposure to practical lab sessions during my undergraduate pharmacy degree and it’s like I am in the lab and don’t even know what and where to start. It takes a while to be familiar with vital safety and essential lab procedures and skills required in a containment laboratory setting.

4. Why is it important to have more women involved in pharmaceutical research and leadership?

It is important for women to be involved in science research and leadership as both man and women contributes equally to improving the public health. Women are critical thinkers, can make decisions just like the man. So involving more women in pharmaceutical research will provide balanced opinions and fair judgements from different gender perspectives, which can lead to better health solutions. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any limitations or barriers for women in pharmaceutical science research.

5. What advice would you give to young pharmacists or students who want to pursue research or higher studies?

First of all, I would say follow your heart’s desire, if it’s your interest, go for it. From my own experience, it’s much better pursuing your post graduate studies earlier in life when you have a lot of energy, less responsibility and enough time to yourself. But, if you have family like me, it is still possible if you have a supportive spouse and family. Also, remember God’s timing in our lives is different and is always perfect! Finally, don’t wait for the opportunity to come fine you. Take the first step and have faith in God’s promises. Nothing is impossible!