From Biology to Medical Biotechnology: My Academic and Professional Journey

Ali Aidy

View posts by Ali Aidy

Like many in science, my career path hasn't been a straight line—it’s been a journey shaped by curiosity, critical choices, and a growing interest in the interface between biology, health, and technology. Today, as a Ph.D. candidate in Medical Biotechnology, I reflect on how my background in Biology and Clinical Biochemistry paved the way to where I am now.

🔬 A Foundation in Biology

My academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biology, driven by a fascination with how living systems function. I was especially drawn to human physiology, cell signaling, and molecular genetics—topics that hinted at deeper medical applications.

But it wasn’t just the theory that fascinated me. I found myself asking questions like:

How do these systems break down in disease?

How can we detect or intervene early enough to make a real difference?

Those questions would eventually steer me away from pure biology and toward more applied biomedical sciences.

🔬 Discovering Clinical Biochemistry

Pursuing an M.Sc. in Clinical Biochemistry was a turning point. Here, I explored the use of biochemical markers in diagnosing and monitoring disease—bringing me closer to the real-world medical applications I had long been curious about.

Working in clinical and diagnostic labs, I saw how enzymes, metabolites, and hormones provided critical windows into patient health. I became fascinated not only with how we diagnose disease, but how we could do it better—more accurately, more quickly, and more affordably.

This experience helped me see the role of laboratory science as central to modern medicine. But I also began to recognize the need for innovation, which led me to my next step.

 🔬 Stepping into Medical Biotechnology

Currently, I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology, a field where biology meets technology to develop new diagnostics, therapies, and biomedical tools. This phase has allowed me to blend my clinical background with cutting-edge research in:

• Nanomaterials for drug delivery

• Biosensor development

• Advanced biomaterials for diagnostics

• Using the CRISPR editing system to edit genes

My research aims to bridge the gap between laboratory science and patient-centered solutions—something I believe is essential for the future of medicine.

📌 Key Lessons from the Journey

Looking back, a few pivotal decisions shaped my direction:

✅ Choosing clinical biochemistry to link biology with medicine

✅ Engaging in hands-on research early through lab internships

✅ Embracing interdisciplinary learning—especially in materials and device technology

✅ Focusing on long-term impact over short-term goals

Each step felt incremental at the time, but together they created a strong platform for research and innovation.

🌱 What’s Next?

As I continue my doctoral research, I’m motivated by the potential of medical biotechnology to drive personalized medicine, early disease detection, and more effective treatments. I’m also passionate about mentoring students and building collaborative networks—because science doesn’t happen in isolation.

Bio: Ph.D in Medical Biotechnology with a focus on applied and fundamental research in the fields of life sciences and nanotechnology. Interested in developing cutting-edge technologies. Eager to contribute to dynamic and international research teams to advance the frontiers of knowledge and technology. This phase has allowed me to blend my clinical background with cutting-edge research in:

• Nanomaterials for drug delivery
• Biosensor development
• Advanced biomaterials for diagnostics
• Using the CRISPR editing system to edit genes