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Impact stories: Sara Bandiera
2019, DPhil Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics
Recipient of a Ramage Dervorguilla Scholarship

Sara Bandiera

I dreamt of studying the crucial earliest stages of cerebral cortex development for a long time, as they might provide insights into the evolutional divergence of our brain from that of other mammals (and perhaps into human uniqueness itself). Reading for my DPhil on this fascinating topic at Oxford represents a golden opportunity to challenge myself in an excellent academic environment, where I am surrounded by a vibrant scientific community that enriches my knowledge and nourishes the passion that has driven me along my academic journey so far.

This stimulating environment goes beyond the scientific life: being at Balliol brings me into contact with people from all parts of the world, with their different cultures, stories and backgrounds. I find this aspect invaluable. I feel extraordinarily lucky to have joined the diverse and friendly community that exists here.

It would have never been possible for me to go so far with my ambitions and study in Oxford without financial support. I am infinitely grateful to have received one of the Ramage Dervorguilla Scholarships for women in science, and I feel honoured to be an inaugural recipient. Being a woman and a scientist at the same time might turn into a difficult challenge along my academic career, and that makes me all the more grateful for the support I have received from the Scholarship.

I truly hope that my story could be an inspiration not only to other potential supporting funders but also to other young students who have high ambitions and wish to embark this competitive academic journey as I have done.

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