Cultural immersion, international research opportunities abound in dual pharmacy PhD with Brazil university

When she’s not busy with her multiple research-related pursuits, Yousef enjoys exploring her artistic side with dance, design and piano.

Growing up in Sudan, Malaz Yousef — who graduates this month with a dual pharmacy PhD from the University of Alberta and the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil — dreamed of a future that would make a meaningful difference in the world. Losing a beloved aunt to lung cancer and witnessing her grandfather lose his vision before his death, as she graduated high school that dream turned to a solid plan — a career in the health professions. Her sister was in medical school at the time and many in Yousef’s circle tried to steer her that way, too. But, as Yousef says with a laugh, “I’m a bit squeamish when it comes to blood,” so despite her excellent grades, that wasn’t an option. 

“I knew the path that was right for me,” she says. “I followed my instincts, chose pharmacy, and haven’t looked back since.”

By the second year of Yousef’s degree it became clear to her that an undergraduate education wasn’t going to satisfy her. Inspiration came from a favourite instructor sharing her research into new techniques for producing malaria medication. “Hearing her talk about the potential impact of her research sparked something in me,” recalls Yousef. “I knew research was the path I wanted to take, not just to help individuals but to contribute on a much larger scale.” 

After graduating, Yousef embarked on a year working as a teaching assistant and a community pharmacist, interning at a pharmaceutical plant and at a community pharmacy at a military hospital in Khartoum. Her passion for research and development led her to join an independent research group — one of the few in Sudan that conducted research outside of academic degrees. That invaluable experience not only led her to a master’s degree but also introduced her to her now husband. 

Following a master’s in pharmaceutical technology in the U.K., Yousef was drawn by the researchers and opportunities at the University of Alberta, and moved here to pursue a PhD in pharmaceutics, the science of transforming new chemical entities or existing drugs into safe and effective forms for dosage. 

The guidance of co-supervisors Raimar Löbenberg and Neal Davies shaped her PhD journey. “I can honestly say that the unique combination of their mentorship is what ultimately drew me to this program and has continued to inspire me throughout my studies,” says Yousef.

Yousef’s research focused on improving oral drug delivery, in particular exploring the body’s lymphatic system as a pathway for drug absorption. Developing new lab models and using computer-based technologies, she made discoveries about the lymphatic system’s role in drug delivery, supporting the development of safer, more effective medications. “By offering reliable lab-based alternatives, this research also holds the potential to reduce the need for animal testing in early drug evaluation, advancing both scientific understanding and ethical standards in pharmaceutical development.” 

Scientific research is challenging, but Yousef has always found joy in experimenting and problem-solving. And the supportive community in her faculty, along with the love of her husband and family, meant that it was never a lonely road. 

While the opportunity to pursue her research is what brought her here, Yousef leaves the program with a host of other memories — many of them thanks to the dual degree program with the University of Sao Paulo. “The warmth and friendliness of the Brazilian people made my time there truly unforgettable,” she recalls. “I’m incredibly grateful — I gained invaluable international experience that enriched my perspective in both science and life.”

She will always remember presenting at various conferences and how rewarding it was to be a teaching assistant honoured with the 2023 Graduate Student Teaching Award, and she has even been nominated for the Governor General’s Gold Medal for academic achievements. But her favourite memory is that one of her biggest projects began with a sketch she did on a napkin with her mentor Davies. “I kept that napkin and framed it after the research paper was published,” she says. “It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from the simplest, most unexpected moments.”

Apart from her work in the lab, some might say one of Yousef’s best ideas also came from an unexpected place. To combat isolation during the pandemic, she and her husband decided to launch a YouTube channel offering scientific content and self-care advice for fellow students. “Through the channel, we get to encourage them to embrace the journey, tackle challenges creatively and make room for personal well-being,” she says, and she is grateful for the positive connections she has made with their more than 3,300 subscribers around the world.

In the end, she says, the reward that comes from interpersonal connections like those is the most important thing she will carry with her. “This PhD has been an incredible journey of personal growth, enriched by the privilege of studying and connecting with people from diverse cultures,” she says. “Achievements or knowledge may be forgotten, but people always remember how we made them feel. This is a principle I’m committed to developing and carrying with me for the rest of my life.”

As Yousef ponders the next step in her career, she sends a message of encouragement to other would-be pharmaceutics researchers intrigued by the U of A’s dual PhD: “Go for it!” The different academic perspectives and research opportunities will enrich your work and studying in different cultures will expand your worldview. “If you’re looking for a program that equips you for a truly global career in research, this dual degree is an excellent choice!”