Annah-Elizabeth Ejiwunmi
In2scienceUK alumna and Vitae Careers founder Annah-Elizabeth Ejiwunmi reflects on her experience on the In2STEM programme and how it helped to kickstart her passion for widening participation in STEM.
About me
My name is Annah, and I am a final-year Biochemistry student at the University of Warwick. I recently completed a placement year in Regulatory Affairs at a global pharmaceutical company, where I gained insight into the journey of scientific innovation from laboratory research through to the development and approval of medicines to reach patients safely and effectively.
Alongside my studies, I have developed a strong interest in helping young people access opportunities and navigate their career journeys. Through my academic, professional and volunteering experiences, I have become passionate about widening participation and ensuring that talented individuals have access to the knowledge, networks and opportunities needed to reach their potential.
Why I chose In2STEM
I took part in the In2STEM programme in July 2022 and took part in a placement at the University of Birmingham.
Like many students, my educational experience was heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I lost valuable opportunities for practical laboratory work and felt that most of my exposure to science had been confined to textbooks and classroom lessons.
I applied to In2scienceUK because I wanted to bridge that gap. I was fascinated by science, but I wanted to understand what it looked like beyond the exam specifications. I wanted to experience the reality of research, see how scientists approached unanswered questions, and discover whether the subjects I enjoyed studying could translate into meaningful careers.
Gaining confidence in the lab
During my In2STEM placement, I worked with a professor investigating potential approaches to stimulate appetite in cancer patients. We explored receptor binding and the biological mechanisms involved in the process. For someone at the beginning of their scientific journey, it was my first real experience of seeing how fundamental scientific research could be applied to address real-world health challenges.
The experience sparked my interest in drug discovery and development and helped me appreciate the many different pathways through which science can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. One of the ways the programme supported me most was by giving me a space where I felt comfortable asking questions and learning without fear of getting things wrong.
When I first joined the lab, I was surrounded by terminology that felt completely unfamiliar. Conversations included words like “transfection” and “confluence”, and everyone seemed to speak a language I didn’t yet understand. Although I was eager to learn, it was sometimes difficult to connect these technical terms to the bigger picture of what the research was trying to achieve.
Recognising this, my supervisor took the time to sit down with me and explain the science behind the project, breaking down complex concepts and helping me understand the mechanisms we were investigating. What could have felt like an intimidating knowledge gap became one of the most valuable learning experiences of the placement.
What stayed with me after In2STEM was not just the scientific knowledge I gained, but the environment that was created around me. I felt comfortable being curious, asking questions, and admitting when I didn’t understand something. That experience taught me that science is not about knowing all the answers, but about having the confidence to ask questions and learn from others.
It is a mindset I have carried with me ever since. Whether in my studies or professional experiences, I have come to appreciate the importance of creating and seeking out spaces where curiosity is encouraged and where people feel supported to learn. For me, that was one of the most impactful parts of the programme.
Using In2STEM as a stepping stone
The programme had a significant impact on my future plans and played an important role in shaping the path I’ve taken since.
I am confident that the experience strengthened my university applications and was one of the reasons I chose to study Biochemistry. I became fascinated by how molecular processes influence health and disease, and I wanted to further explore how scientific discoveries can ultimately translate into benefits for patients.
Since then, I have continued to pursue opportunities that bridge science and real-world impact. My industrial placement in Regulatory Affairs within pharmaceuticals helped me to gain insight into how medicines move from research and development through to patients. This helped me develop a broader understanding of the journey from scientific discovery to market access and patient benefit.
Looking back, the greatest thing In2STEM gave me was confidence. It showed me that science was something I could actively participate in rather than simply learn about in a classroom. It encouraged me to stay curious, ask questions and seek out opportunities that would help me grow both academically and professionally.
My next steps
As I look towards graduation, I’m exploring opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry where I can continue learning and contribute to the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.
Alongside my studies, I’m also working on a student-led startup called Vitae, a platform designed to help life sciences students discover opportunities, stay organised throughout the application process, and navigate their careers with greater confidence. The idea was inspired by many of the challenges I experienced myself, as well as conversations with other students who felt overwhelmed by the number of pathways available and unsure where to start.
Building Vitae Careers has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my university journey so far. It has allowed me to combine my passion for science, education, and widening access to opportunities while working directly with students and universities. My hope is that it can help more students feel informed, supported, and empowered as they take the next step in their careers. Thank you, In2STEM, for being the launchpad that started this journey.