Marvin Liu
Pursuing doctoral studies in pharmacy helped Dr Marvin Liu to build his confidence as a researcher in his field and work with innovative medicines that have the potential to improve the lives of others.
“I’ve always been passionate about science and pharmacy seemed like the perfect blend of chemistry and healthcare. I also wanted to be a part of something that could make a direct impact on people's lives. Pharmacy offered the potential to work with innovative medicines and I was excited by the possibility of contributing to treatments that could improve patients' quality of life.
The University of Auckland’s School of Pharmacy has a
strong international reputation, particularly in drug delivery and
pharmaceutical sciences. I was drawn to the world-class research facilities and
the chance to work with experts in the field.
“The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHSc) in Pharmaceutical Science offered courses that covered important learnings related to formulation design, administration of drugs via different routes, formulation characterisation techniques, regulatory affairs and quality control.
The opportunity to develop advanced pharmaceutical formulations and explore areas like transdermal and oral delivery systems fascinated me.
This specialisation provided me the path to enter the research programme and gain my master’s and PhD degrees in pharmaceutical sciences.
“Working in the lab was one of the most valuable experiences. It allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and develop strong hands-on skills. Presenting at international conferences and winning awards for my research helped to build my confidence as a researcher. Collaborating with peers and mentors also fostered a strong sense of community and support throughout my studies.
“The University of Auckland has been pivotal in shaping my academic and research career. The mentorship I received, access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to collaborate with industry partners have all been critical to my development as a researcher. One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at the University has been the opportunity to supervise and mentor students, helping them grow in their own academic journeys.
“Presenting my research at international conferences and receiving recognition through various awards has significantly boosted my confidence and credibility as a researcher. Notable achievements include winning the FMHS-PGSA Elevator Pitch Second Runner-Up Award at the Healthex 2021 conference.
Additionally, being awarded the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship.”