St Cross Alumnus Chosen as a Finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards
St Cross alumnus Dr Anjul Khadria (DPhil Systems Biology and Organic Chemistry, 2013) has been chosen as a finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards in India in the Science and Sustainability category for his research on insulin, which could impact the lives of millions of people with diabetes.
Although it has been researched and used for more than a century, there are things about insulin that remain unknown. In that context, Dr Khadria’s discovery of the previously unknown injection-site mechanisms of rapid-acting insulins may aid the development of faster and better-controlled insulins that have a more immediate impact than those currently used.
The mission of every scientist is to understand the fundamental mysteries of nature and positively impact the lives of human beings. I felt that this project gave me the perfect platform to serve this purpose.
When Dr Khadria joined Caltech as a postdoctoral scholar having completed his DPhil at Oxford under the tutelage of Professor Harry Anderson, he was delighted to have the opportunity to lead a project — in the laboratory of Professor Lihong Wang and in collaboration with US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly — on studying insulin dynamics through photoacoustic imaging, which led to him being selected as a finalist.
“I feel greatly honoured and humbled,” Dr Khadria said. “Oxford provided me with a world-class education, and to be selected as a finalist for the UK Alumni Awards gives me a sense of fulfilment.”
Dr Khadria believes that Oxford shaped him. Surrounded by people who were “devoted to excellence,” he gained a keen appreciation for hard work, perseverance and resilience. While a St Cross student, he had numerous opportunities to meet and interact with some of the brightest minds in various fields, which helped him to develop his scientific acumen.
“I really miss my time at Oxford and the College,” Dr Khadria said. “I am deeply thankful to the Clarendon Scholarships and the Oxford SABS and Systems Biology DTC programs, which made it possible for me to study at Oxford — that changed my life.”
Looking ahead, Dr Khadria intends to apply his love for solving problems at the global management consultancy firm he has recently joined. He aims to combine his knowledge of science and innovation with consulting techniques to tackle some of the most complex problems facing institutions, corporations and organisations.
