Seven questions with Johannes Coomansingh

This week, meet Johannes Coomansingh, a Trinidadian-Canadian from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Johannes has just taken part in the 2017 UCL Summer School, which gives students from universities around the world the chance to study at UCL for three or six weeks and transfer credit back to their home institution. This summer, almost 400 students from 200 universities enrolled on modules with over 40 nationalities represented. We caught up with Johannes to find out about his experience.

1. Why did you apply to UCL Summer School and what are you studying while you are here?

I applied to the UCL Summer School because I saw an opportunity to deepen my knowledge of nanotechnology through the Nanotechnology in Medicine module and to explore a second module that really piqued my interest, Nerve Injury Treatment: Medicine, Science & Engineering.

I also chose these modules because they complemented both my current studies (Bachelor of Technology) and provided me a sneak peek into what I could potentially study after my undergraduate degree.

2. What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

The most interesting thing I've seen while at UCL was observing two peripheral nerve injury surgeries at the Royal National Othopaedic Hospital. It was a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand, how what we have learned in our classes is applied in the operating theatre.

I also spent a weekend in Oxford with one of my childhood friends, Kiron Neale. We studied together in Trinidad and Tobago (both primary and secondary school), as well as in Canada at the University of Alberta and now we have both studied in the UK. It was a truly amazing experience reminiscing about being two island guys studying our way through the world.

3. Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL? 

I have discovered some interesting things. The Welcome Collection is a super unique museum that has curated a bevy of interesting things to see, and it's literally a stone's throw away from UCL.

I discovered a wonderful ice cream shop called Ruby Violet, about a ten-minute walk from Kings Cross. It is really cheap and outrageously delicious. Find them at Midland Goods Shed, 3 Wharf Road, N1C 4BZ, London.

4. Any idea what's next after UCL Summer School finishes?

After UCL Summer School finishes, I return to Edmonton, Alberta to finish my final year at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. After graduating in April, I plan to apply for postgraduate studies, maybe even returning to UCL.

5. What advice would you give to a student hoping to attend UCL Summer School next year?

The advice I would give to a student would be to take the time to build relationships with your classmates and go out and see London.

6. Who inspires you and why?

This is a tricky question. I would say both Florence Nightingale and my father inspire me. Florence Nightingale inspires me because of her empathy and the fact that she challenged the way healthcare was performed and changed it.

My father inspires me because he models what it means to be a provider, not just for his family, but for other people. He has constantly motivated me to do my best and keep striving for excellence, while never forgetting to be kind and show gratitude to the people whom help me along the way.

7. What would it surprise people to know about you?

Not many people know that I have a passion for both reading and writing. I hope to one day publish a novel, if it ever gets out of my head and out onto paper!