Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Grateful for St. John’s Experience

When considering doctoral programs, Aishwarya Saraswat came to St. John’s University for one overarching reason: excellent research opportunities. She is now poised to graduate with her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Industrial Pharmacy. 

“The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, exciting courses, great faculty, and especially the versatile research happening in terms of novel drug/gene delivery systems in the field of oncology, drew me to St. John’s,” she recently stressed.

A native of India, Aishwarya pursued undergraduate studies in her home country, and earned her master’s degree in Pharmaceutics and Drug Design from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, MA. “The research experience was most important to me in my decision to attend St. John’s,” she said. “New York City is also an amazing place to live.”

At St. John’s, Aishwarya found a home in the Patel Research Lab, administered by Ketan D. Patel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences. “We all need someone who inspires us to do better. Dr. Patel has been a true inspiration to me throughout my time at St. John’s. His zeal for research, enthusiastic attitude, and constant motivation have kept me going during my studies.” Dr. Patel recently received a $492,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to study the progression of lung cancer and its resistance to certain therapies.

During her time at the Patel Lab, Aishwarya said she has been exposed to ambitious projects that helped her gain invaluable experience in her field of specialty: cancer research and gene delivery. “This will be of great importance when I apply those skills and knowledge toward developing actual medicines that benefit patients.”

Of Aishwarya, Dr. Patel said she is one of the most accomplished students in her program.

“She has published several high-impact research/review papers on novel therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Due to her innovative and translational research work and extraordinary presentation skills, she has received multiple industry awards and an offer to join the postdoctoral program at Harvard Medical School.“

The schedule of a doctoral student is daunting, but Aishwarya noted she is grateful for the vibrant campus life afforded to her by St. John’s. “Students at St. John’s not only receive valuable learning experience, but we also get to relax in between with amazing events.” 

She highlighted the annual Spring Carnival as a particular favorite. “I feel that makes our journey more enjoyable and memorable at the same time.” 

She added, “When you are a doctoral student, it is challenging to balance the schedule between research, taking courses, and teaching. However, all of this has helped me become more organized, punctual, and disciplined.”

Upon graduation, Aishwarya is joining Regeneron Pharmaceuticals as a senior scientist involved with developing novel gene delivery systems to fight life-threatening ailments. Reflecting on her time at St. John’s, she said, “As I have sought to fulfill my dreams, I have also made wonderful memories.”