MOTIVATION LETTER

My name is Ruth Moraa Obare from Kenya. A master’s holder in Biochemistry. I choose to pursue
my PhD in Biochemistry specifically at KU Leuven because of the level of advancement in training,
quality of education offered in Belgium is comparable to those of other developed countries and
as a matter of fact, its educational system is uniquely different from the Anglophone countries
like Kenya. Through this, I will be able to learn new analytical skills in the field of natural products
which I will apply in my further career after the completion of my study. The vast tools,
techniques, expertise and experience your lab offers in fungal biology complements my research
proposal and would greatly shape my experiences as a young scientist. Additionally as I seek
mentorship during my PhD, I am sure to discuss and learn more about career development and
important lessons from you since you have successfully guided a lot of students. From my end, I
am sure to also add value to you (and the lab) by continuing with my hard work and making
scientific contributions through my work and working in a collaborative manner with relevant
groups.

My few years of internship has shaped me and how I view the world, different approach and
needs depends on personal growth, experiences and more so dealing with modern technology.
During my Masters research I was able to do bioassay guided fractionation of secondary
metabolites extracted from medicinal plant and its associated fungal endophytes. I learnt how to
develop a suitable solvent system using Thin layer chromatography and packing of a column
chromatography in order to obtain semi purified fractions of the extracts which were then
subsequently purified using HPLC. During that period I also learnt structural elucidation of
purified compounds from the NMR spectral information using Bruker software

By applying for a PhD in KU Leuven. I hope to develop a sound understanding of theoretical and
practical skills which need to be inculcated in the current world as there are so many emerging
issues not only to the obvious of sustenance but also the gaps in the day today world challenges
posed by Covid 19 which has rendered and affected economy, complex societal labor structures
and the need to do more research on the field. Moreover, concepts of emerging infectious
diseases like Covid 19 and antimicrobial resistance have posed a lot challenges towards their

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eradication especially in Sub – Saharan Africa and the rest of the world in making it a better living
place. I am inspired to be part of the cultural diversity that is present in an environment of higher
learning as these will enable me to become a global citizen. Through this I will be able to
understand, appreciate and share my cultural experience at home and abroad.

If accepted, my goals will be:

1) Remain informed on advancements in my field by staying up to date with new information.

2) Align myself with studies on modern laboratory technology in order to bring together methods
and techniques from the field of natural products. The interdisciplinary aspects of biochemistry
courses will allow me to improve on various tenets and how it fosters personal growth and
development globally.

I believe in opportunity that will be useful in providing: a) General transferable lifetime skills of
value throughout my career which include but not limited to specific knowledge on health and
education issues that will enable me earn a living from it as well as better the use of health
principles in people’s life not only in Berlin but also back in Kenya. b) Induction into the
appropriate research-based Post-doctoral training. The study will in the end, culminate into a
Post-doctoral level of study, a career path that is relatively demanding and rigorous. c) I seek an
opportunity to improve and practice my teaching skills in the field of natural products with the
hope of developing a sound understanding of principles that govern teaching profession and to
enhance my capacity and of the wider international community to comprehend and manage
socio – political, cultural and economic challenges including health as they are part of this course.

After completing my PhD, I desire to further with Post-doctoral fellowship. My plans after
doctoral studies are 1. Devoting myself to teaching and research. Kenya has relatively few female
individuals with PhD in Biochemistry and as such there is a demand for individuals with this level
of training. Teaching university students is more than one-way channel. 2. The other career
prospects are to blend teaching with research and development. Through this I will be able to
foster knowledge development on aspects within this field.

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