Alumni Spotlight: Sonakshi, MSc Personalised Medicine and Novel Therapies

What is your fondest memory of your time at UCL?

I had the opportunity to study at UCL during the pandemic and it was an experience I will never forget. During my dissertation, I spent every day in the lab conducting experiments, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. UCL had just reopened and we had to follow strict protocols, but after only two weeks of induction, I was allowed to work independently, giving me a real taste of what academic research life would look like. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have gained hands-on experience and develop valuable skills during this time.

Please tell us a bit about the work you are doing now

I'm proud to be a co-founder at Your Cue, a health tech startup that is revolutionizing the way patients receive care. Our innovative finger-based wearable continuously monitors a patient's vital signs, providing seamless, around-the-clock monitoring from anywhere - whether in a hospital, at home, or on the go.

At Your Cue, we believe that quality healthcare should be affordable and accessible to everyone, no matter where they are in the world. That's why our wearable technology allows for continuous monitoring, providing patients with peace of mind and clinicians with real-time data to improve diagnoses and treatment. Our automated alerts and alarms ensure that healthcare providers can quickly respond to any changes in a patient's condition, potentially preventing serious health events.

By making quality healthcare more accessible, we're making a positive impact on people's lives around the world. I'm excited to be a part of Your Cue's mission to improve healthcare for all.

How did your UCL degree help you get to where you are now?

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have pursued a degree in personalised medicine and entrepreneurship, which has had a profound impact on my career path. These two modules equipped me with the tools and mindset needed to think more broadly and creatively about healthcare challenges.

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges in the healthcare industry. Thanks to my degree, I was able to quickly pivot from theory to practicality, and come up with a solution that was urgently needed. It was an amazing feeling to see my education come to life and make a tangible impact on people's lives.

Moreover, my degree has given me a new perspective on healthcare, and the importance of personalised medicine. We are all unique individuals, and personalised healthcare is the key to unlocking better health outcomes for everyone. I'm excited to continue exploring new ideas and opportunities to make a positive impact on the healthcare industry, and I credit much of my success to the excellent education I received.

What have been your career highlights?

As a startup, some of our biggest highlights include being accepted into UCL's Hatchery incubator programme, winning Startup of the Year 2022, successfully building our MVP within a short timeframe of 6 months, despite lacking a technical background, and being featured in news articles by UCL Population Health Sciences and UCL Innovation and Enterprise. These achievements have helped us gain recognition within the industry and build a strong foundation for our company's growth and success. We are proud of our hard work and dedication, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and make a positive impact in the world.

What would be your advice for current students?

To all current students at UCL and those reading this, I highly recommend exploring everything that this great university has to offer. From extracurricular activities to student societies and career services, UCL provides a wealth of resources to help you succeed both academically and personally. Whether you're looking to pursue a new interest, develop your skills, or connect with like-minded peers, there is something for everyone here.

So, my advice is to take advantage of these opportunities and don't be afraid to go out and find what you need. Take the initiative to seek out professors, advisors, and other resources that can help you achieve your goals. Whether you're looking for academic support, career guidance, or simply a fun and engaging community to be a part of, UCL has it all. So, don't wait, go out and explore all that UCL has to offer and make the most of your time here!