SUVA – Fiji National University lecturer in biochemistry and molecular biology, Artika Nath hopes to transform the health care system in Fiji and the region after her return from a two-year study program from the Georgia Institute of Technology in the US.
The 28 year-old is one of the three successful recipients from the region to be part of the J William Fulbright Foreign Student program.
The scholarship will give her the opportunity to pursue a master’s program in biology ù human genetics, with special attention to the causes of obesity and diabetes, making her the first recipient to pursue a program in a unique field.
Brought up at the Fiji Sugar Corporation compound, Artika owes her achievement to her parents, Vishwa and Lalita Nath, and her sister Shomika Nath who have been supportive of her quest to pursue further studies.
“I’m so thankful to my family; they have been very supportive, especially my dad,” she said.
“The program not only has personal benefits but will benefit the area of study that is still in an immature stage here in the country ù the issue of genetics and non-communicable diseases.
“Our school dean and head of the university has also been supportive of my quest to pursue this program of study.” Artika says she would not be able to specialise in genetics if it was not for the program.
“It is an honour to be a Fulbrighter and the program opens a lot of collaboration opportunities after the completion of your program.
