Tell us something about your hometown.
I am from the city of Lahore in Pakistan. It is known for its busy streets and yummy food. It is the second busiest city in Pakistan after Karachi. Lahore has many historic buildings which are also major tourist attractions.
What are you studying at ITMO?
I am a second-year Master’s student in the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology program by SCAMT.
How did you find out about ITMO?
I was a winner of the Open Doors Russian Scholarship in 2020. I found out about ITMO from their social media. I also googled the university and got to know more about the research done here.
What made you interested in biotechnology?
I did my Bachelor’s in biological sciences in Pakistan. Since then, I was quite excited about the prospective applications of biotechnology. As I learned more about the subject, I became more focused on pursuing a career in it.
Muhammad Shahan is enjoying his time in St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of the subject
What have your two years of Master’s been like? What research experience did you gain?
I arrived in St. Petersburg almost 18 months later due to the travel restriction levied during the pandemic. Once I arrived, it took me around a month to get into a lab. Currently, I am working in the molecular biology lab at SCAMT, headed by Dr. Dmitry Kolpaschikov. Overall, I had a wonderful time in the program. I learned a number of new skills and concepts and made many new friends.
What is your Master’s thesis about?
My research deals with the development of a novel gene therapy that considerably lowers the risk of side effects. At our lab, we are making a DNA oligonucleotide biorobot that will have the ability to specifically target cancer cells.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I am yet to make a final call but I have a few options available. I might either join the industry as a professional researcher or continue studying further. I am open to pursuing my PhD in microbiology or biotechnology.
How has your life been in St. Petersburg?
I have really enjoyed my time in this beautiful city. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. The major difference between St. Petersburg and my hometown Lahore is the weather. It is quite unpredictable here. I had a tough time adapting to the winter. The temperatures plummeted to a low of -30 degrees. However, I managed to get accustomed to it well.
How did you celebrate Eid in St. Petersburg?
This was my first Eid away from my family. I missed them a lot. However, I celebrated it here with my friends from Pakistan, Egypt, and Bangladesh. We all had a great time in the evening, cherishing a delicious feast. I am looking forward to more such celebrations in the future.
“I had a lot of fun celebrating Eid this time in St. Petersburg,” says Muhammad Shahan. Photo courtesy of the subject
Which dormitory are you living in?
I am living in ITMO’s dormitory located at Alpiyskiy Pereulok 15. It is a very well-maintained comfortable place. My roommate is my childhood friend from Pakistan. It is really a bonus to get your bestie as your roommate. It makes living in a foreign country much easier.
What would you advise young students coming to ITMO from Pakistan?
I would definitely tell them to beware of the harsh winter. One should definitely pack a lot of winter clothes when coming here. Apart from that, I would tell everyone to trust the process and have faith in their abilities. Studying in Russia is definitely worth it.
