Alumni Spotlight: Daveena Jassar - BSc Biochemistry 2023

28 October 2025

What inspired you to study Biochemistry at Queen Mary?

I always knew I wanted to study in London, and I was determined to go to a Russell Group university. Queen Mary University of London stood out to me not only for its strong academic reputation but also for its diversity, something that really mattered to me coming from a South Asian background.  

I’d seen friends, family, and LinkedIn connections speak highly of their experiences at Queen Mary, which reinforced my decision. The life sciences facilities and research opportunities were also a huge draw, I wanted to be somewhere that was both academically challenging and innovative.

Looking back, I truly feel there were a few “signs” leading me to Queen Mary, and I’m so glad I listened to them. Studying here gave me an incredible foundation, academically, professionally, and personally.

Can you share some highlights from your time at Queen Mary?

Some of my best memories from Queen Mary are about the people I met and the community I became part of. Starting university can be daunting, especially as I wasn’t from London and didn’t know anyone when I arrived, but that changed quickly. The students on my course were incredibly supportive, both academically and socially. There was a real sense of community, with plenty of opportunities to connect through socials, group chats, and events organised for students to get to know one another. 

That supportive environment translated into how we approached our studies too. Our cohort often worked together, setting up study groups and sharing resources to make sure everyone was on track. It created such a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere. 

Another standout moment for me was working on my dissertation project on CRISPR-Cas9. It was definitely a challenging time, but I was lucky to have access to professors with real expertise in this area. They were always willing to share their knowledge and guide me whenever I had questions, it made a huge difference to my confidence and understanding. Overall, my time at Queen Mary gave me lasting friendships and invaluable scientific insight.

What was your favourite thing about Queen Mary?

My favourite thing about Queen Mary was the incredible sense of diversity and community on campus. You’re surrounded by people from all over the world, each bringing different perspectives and experiences, it creates such an open, inclusive environment to learn and grow in. 

I was also really impressed by the quality of the facilities and teaching staff. The labs were state-of-the-art, and the professors were not only experts in their fields but also genuinely approachable and supportive, always encouraging us to ask questions and think critically. 

Beyond academics, there were so many extra-curricular opportunities, from societies and networking events to student-led initiatives, that helped me develop personally as well as professionally. 

Finally, the support from the School and the resources available were excellent. Whether it was academic guidance, career advice, or wellbeing support, there was always help available when you needed it. Altogether, Queen Mary provided a really well-rounded experience,  academically strong, socially enriching, and deeply supportive. 

Finally, what are you up to now? And how did your time here help shape your career path up to this point?

I’m currently working as a Commercial and Business Development Consultant for a pharmaceutical consultancy that provides a wide range of services to the industry,  including regulatory and quality advisory, support with licensing and distribution, interim Quality & Regulatory resources, training services, and the provision of named Responsible Persons (RPs) and Qualified Persons (QPs). 

 In my role, I work directly with major pharmaceutical organisations, gaining first-hand experience of how the industry operates. I advise clients on regulatory pathways, help them navigate approval processes and overcome compliance challenges, and regularly attend industry conferences and events to build connections and stay at the forefront of developments in the field. This experience has given me valuable insight into the world of pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, from how products are developed and approved, to how they reach patients safely and compliantly. 

My time at Queen Mary gave me a strong foundation in the life sciences and really sparked my curiosity about how scientific discovery translates into real-world healthcare solutions. The combination of high-quality teaching, research-led learning, and supportive professors helped me develop the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that have been invaluable in my current role.