Khye’s story

Khye Woodman graduated from Sussex with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, and now he works as a Drug Supply Coordinator at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Khye spoke to us about his time at Sussex, and how his degree provided the building blocks for progressing into his career.

Khye Woodman

How biomedical science helped Khye’s career as a Drug Supply Coordinator

Overcoming a number of challenges along the way Khye’s Biomedical Science degree gave him the confidence to deliver presentations, solve problems and land a job interview.

What made you choose biomedical science at Sussex?

“I chose biomedical science at Sussex for a couple of reasons.

“The first one being because during my combined sciences diploma at Lewes college I was taught by a number of previously historic students from Sussex. They were really motivating individuals and each had an interesting career and did well in life post their degrees. l was motivated and decided that I too wanted to follow the same footsteps that these inspiring teachers walked with Sussex.

“The second point for me was a great, friendly and exciting visit to the university.”

What was your standout memory of your time on the course?

“I can’t forget the exams of course, but there were a few lecturers that really shared their passion with you when they lectured and that gave me so much inspiration to go on and make a career to be proud of myself.

“The actual subjects were really fascinating and were like a real live documentary being explained in person to you. When the experience is that enjoyable it helps to learn and absorb some difficult information.

“My dissertation tutor really supported me and helped me deliver a subject which I walked in knowing nothing about. I ended up giving a great presentation and receiving a 2:1.”

What were you proudest of?

“The proudest moment for me has to be graduating.

“I am a mature student. I was 29 when I started University with Sussex. When I got to my access course I didn’t even know how to log in on a computer. I had not finished any of my school GCSEs as I had a very troubled and poor childhood. Everyone around me told me I would not make it and I was stupid to be giving up work at my age to become a student.

“I got diagnosed with heart failure and pulmonary sarcoidosis during my degree and had to decide not to compete ever again in bodybuilding. I did compete in the British finals in my first year though, just before the diagnosis, and I managed to place top 10 in Britain.

“So with all that being said, to graduate and make it out with a degree against all the odds made me so proud.”

What experiments/modules were your favourite?

“I loved Medical Microbiology the most. I love learning about what we are living with every day and how it’s always evolving. I found Cell and Cancer an amazing module as well. It absolutely fascinates me how it evades our body and destroys its targets.”

What are you doing now?

“I am currently a Clinical Trials Project Manager, or a Drug Supply Coordinator, depending if it is internal or external.”

How did your degree at Sussex help you in your career?

“My degree was the key to me even being able land an interview and was the building blocks of my understanding of science, which gave me the chance to progress into my career.

“It gave me tools that are not all just science related, like the drive to succeed, learning skills, managing deadlines, and how to utilise all that you have around you to solve questions and obtain the desired answer.

“It gave me the educational discipline required to have confidence that given the right focus I can go out and overcome any obstacle I put my mind to.”

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