Demba Jammeh

Where are you from?

Gambia

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Because of the good learning environment and the system of delivering educational materials. International students are given all the necessary support to adapt to the system.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

The people are welcoming and ready to share with international students and other people irrespective of their nationality. I love going out for football match at St. James' Park.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Yes, Northumbria was welcoming beyond my expectation and I was very comfortable settling down and fitting within the society.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I enjoy the welcoming induction programme and how lectures deliver.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Dr Mirela Cuculescu-Santana, Senior Lecturer in Biology

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Dr Mirela Cuculescu-Santana, Senior Lecturer in Biology and Dr. Rinke Vinkenoog, Senior Lecturer in Biology.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The library is my favourite place because of its vast educational material of books, online papers etc.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing is how diverse it is and applicable to real life. Knowledge and skills can be used in criminal investigations anywhere in the world.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

The valuable things are practical works that explain or make us understand what are taught in class as the course progress.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I want to specialize in Forensic Biology (DNA) application in criminal investigation. I learned Laboratory skills that will be useful to my future career.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

I have attended various field trips during my course. The first one was at Durham University Botany Garden where we learned plan evolution. The second was Farne Island where we observed different birds and their lifestyle during the nesting period.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

I would advise them to be computer literate, prepare for different weather experience and be ready to delegate time for reading.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I feel change in public speaking and contributions in discussions and also use of computer for learning.

If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?

Educative, supportive and lively!

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Yes, I have already done it to two people who are on the process of admission for September 2014!