Source: Prabir Das

Science was always been a subject of interest for Sharmin Akter. From when she was a child, she wanted to study something related to medicine, if not medicine itself. After finishing school and college in Bamoil Ideal School and College, Demra, and Ideal School and College, Motijheel, respectively, Sharmin got herself enrolled into Dhaka University to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After graduating in the first division, being one of the top 15 scorers, she continued studying Biochemistry for her Master's Degree and all on scholarship.

Sharmin's father, a peon in an  office along with her homemaker mother, would always encourage her in school. They did not decide her future; they wanted her to have the capability to do it on her own. Giving education as much importance as her parents did, Sharmin sailed through school, college and university with scholarships. For her Master's thesis, she was even awarded a fellowship from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Bangladesh. “I was lucky to be blessed with a family that always supported me and never let me feel the bitterness of financial constraints. Along with that, all my teachers always believed in me and knew I had it in me to do well,” says Sharmin.

At the moment, Sharmin is waiting for her Master's results to be published which are due in a month or two. After that, she hopes to apply abroad, preferably the USA or Europe, to obtain a PhD. During her wait, she wants to get a job either in the field of Biochemistry or in the Development sector. "I want to get some good experience before I leave and also take some time to improve my English for which I am going to be giving me IELTS," says Sharmin. She is also studying classical music.

In the future, Sharmin plans to open up her own Biochemical firm and Research centre, along with helping to improve tools for diagnosis. She plans to become a full-time researcher, and obtain a post doctorate degree later on. Her more elaborate plans are to inspire the youth to take up a subject like Biochemistry that can bring a lot of positive changes in the medical arena of our country.  Lastly, Sharmin says, "I know my parents could not achieve everything that they had wanted to but they have given me the power and courage to achieve a lot. And through that courage, I wish to make them as proud as they can be and fulfil their dreams. That is my most important future plan."