Jerry Maria Sojan, India
ACES cohort 2016-2018
Tell us a little bit about where you are now after graduating from the ACES programme?
I am currently working in London as Scientific Editor in Experimental and Molecular Pathology (EMP) journal with Elsevier. (I also want to take this opportunity to invite our talented ACES researchers for their aquaculture pathology related papers to EMP!)
How was your ACES experience and how did it contribute to
your personal and professional development in the aquaculture industry?
ACES totally changed me by providing a deeper understanding and practical skills in aquaculture along with new perspectives, advanced skills, and increased confidence in my abilities.
The skills I have developed through ACES program have been valuable in both my professional and personal life. I believe that the skills developed in ACES was the main reason that I got a PhD in the Marie Sklodiwska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MCSA-ITN) project called BioMedAqu where I could conduct research in skeletal biology of aquaculture fish species and in biomedical models and humans.
Best part about being an ACES student?
Best thing about ACES is being a part of a diverse talented pool of young students from all across the world and learning aquaculture with a lot of fun. We are still friends with each other and it is so good to know that we have friends all across the world (19 countries in our 2016-2018 cohort)!
Most challenging part of the ACES programme?
Navigating through the various bureaucratic systems such as visa requirements of various countries with non-English languages was a bit challenging but we got sufficient help and support from the program co-ordinators so it was manageable. There is always something to learn from someone in this programme.
Any advice for current and prospective ACES students?
Don't think twice but grab your opportunity as the limited seats are always in high demand.
How did you hear about ACES and what drew you to apply?
My professor in the university in India (where I did my undergraduate degree in fisheries) was the one who showed me the advertisement of the ACES programme in early 2016. I realised that this could be a great opportunity to learn aquaculture from multiple universities across Europe and UK and that it too was fully funded. Till now that remains as one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!
