EducationAne Miren Salvador, a native of Tolosa (Guipúzcoa) has been one of the recipients of the 2011-12 National Awards for the End of degree program of Education University, which recognize those who have studied with "greater brilliance" their programs of study higher . Salvador, a graduate in Pharmacy from the University of Navarra, has won the second award, endowed with 2,650 euros.

He is currently doing his doctoral thesis at Tufts Medical Center in Boston in the USA and, on the occasion of the national award , we asked him about his professional career:

What does your research consist of?
I am currently in my third year of doctorate at the Molecular Cardiology Research Institute at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. My project focuses on the inflammatory mechanisms and immune response that occurs during ventricular remodeling (a pathophysiological phenomenon that involves a change in the structure, composition and function of the left ventricle of the heart) at development in heart failure. Specifically, I study the mechanisms by which T lymphocytes and monocytes interact with the vascular endothelium of the cardiac ventricle in response to pressure overload induced by constriction of the ascending aorta.

Where do you want to direct your professional degree program ?
At the moment I am focused on my doctorate, and will be for at least the next year. Afterwards, based on the knowledge of preclinical research in the cardiovascular field that I am currently acquiring, I would like to apply it to clinical research at the hospital, pharmaceutical or biotechnology level.

Do you think that studying Pharmacy at the University of Navarra has opened doors for you?
Studying Pharmacy at the University of Navarra at licentiate degree has given me, on the one hand, general knowledge in Health Sciences (Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology) which is essential to be able to carry out preclinical research oriented towards a better understanding of pathologies of considerable prevalence in our society, such as heart failure. On the other hand, as important as scientific knowledge, at the University I also learned the importance of working hard, to not give up, to fight for what one wants and thus achieve our professional and personal goals.

Do you remember any anecdote from the degree program that has marked you?
I especially remember the last class of Chemistry Pharmaceutical that Dr. Monge gave, in which he encouraged us to "Fly high and look far". I keep Dr. Monge's words very much in mind, as it was an invitation to not set limits and to strive for what we really want to achieve.

What committee would you give to a Pharmacy student ?
I consider that it is very convenient that during the Degree they do stays abroad and that they apply for scholarships and grants from training in foreign institutions. At the European level there are several scholarship programs aimed at students of Degree, which finance research stays in prestigious companies and universities. I encourage students to inform themselves and apply to those scholarship programs that interest them the most, since in addition to the work experience, they will gain knowledge, unforgettable experiences in cultures different from ours and will meet interesting people with whom they can count on in the future.

And finally, what does it mean to you to have received this award?
Being awarded the second award in Health Sciences is a recognition of the effort made during the degree program and an incentive to continue working hard for my personal and professional goals.