Sofia Sizikov

“In my current role, I am an R&D Scientist at Peel Therapeutics.

I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Haifa, majoring in Biology and Medical Sciences. The areas that fascinated me most during my studies were cellular-level biological activity and its impact on larger systems, such as immunology, microbiology, and genetics. It was fascinating to learn how different cells in the body perform unique functions and how various types of bacteria, with diverse physiologies, adapt to a range of habitats.

In the third year of my undergraduate studies, students were given the option to join a research lab for a project. Since microbiology already interested me a lot, I joined Prof. Laura Steindler’s lab, which focuses on marine sponges, marine bacteria, and the symbiosis between them. This research project allowed me to explore diverse research methods and deeply examine the relationships between marine bacteria and marine sponges. After completing my bachelor’s, I decided to pursue a master’s in Marine Sciences and continue my research in Prof. Steindler’s lab because I found the topic highly engaging and knew this degree would teach me advanced and varied methodologies. Additionally, the academic staff were approachable, supportive, and personable.

My current position involves researching and developing anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs. Although this role does not focus on bacteria but rather on human cells, I utilize many techniques I learned during my master’s degree. My primary responsibility is conducting in vitro experiments, assessing the effects of specific molecules on both healthy and cancerous cells. I have also contributed to developing molecule delivery methods, drug resistance tests, and cell absorption studies.

Throughout my degree, I learned various methods that qualified me for my current role, including sterile lab techniques, experimental planning, proper documentation, scientific writing, and more. I also gained exposure to different research topics from other labs, networked with researchers in Israel and abroad, and had the chance to participate in an international conference, which broadened my perspective on the global scientific community. The people I met during my master’s studies assisted me with job placement, offered guidance, advice, and introduced me to key industry professionals.

Since my bachelor’s degree was unrelated to marine sciences, my master’s studies at the School of Marine Sciences significantly shaped my worldview regarding the importance of the marine environment. I came to understand how complex the environment is, the diversity of processes within it, its vast potential, and how profoundly it is affected by human activity.

After five years in the industry, I intend to return to the School of Marine Sciences for my Ph.D. studies. So, in 10 years, after completing my Ph.D., I hope to be in my next role, focusing on environmental microbiology.

For students considering an advanced degree in marine sciences, I would recommend physically visiting labs with research topics that interest them, seeing the environment, observing the methods, and, of course, speaking with potential advisors and current students.”