Pandemic Has Not Stopped VU Alumnus from Studying at Harvard

Ignas Maželis, a graduate of the Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre (VU LSC), has always sought to draw knowledge and skills only from the best scientists. After completing his studies in Lithuania, the young man has enrolled in Harvard University following a difficult selection process. Although the thrill of this achievement was overshadowed by the pandemic that has disrupted the world, I. Maželis does not intend to give up his dreams, and hopes to start studying at the prestigious university this autumn.

Solid Foundation and Important Experience – at VU

As a child, I. Maželis could not have even dreamed about one day becoming a doctoral student at Harvard Medical School. “I was determined to study medicine for a long time, because I had always been interested in human physiology. However, in organic chemistry class, I heard about how the biological processes in the human body can be logically explained by various chemical reactions – I was fascinated by the idea that a set of ‘dead’ chemical principles can form living biological systems. I became interested in the diversity of life sciences and realised that I was interested in experimental research and the search for new facts rather than their knowledge. The combination of all this led to me deciding to study biochemistry at VU,” he recalls.

I. Maželis reveals that at that time, he had no real thoughts about going abroad: “Studying abroad was not enticing at that stage. In addition, I am actually pleased with this decision – I gained a solid foundation in life sciences in Lithuania. Plus, I got three years of experience working in a laboratory – only a few universities abroad can provide an opportunity like that.”

After completing his bachelor’s studies, the young man faced a dilemma whether he should continue his studies in Lithuania or choose a study programme abroad. “I decided to stay in Lithuania and enrolled in biochemistry master’s studies at VU LSC. The microfluidic technologies laboratory at VU LSC was of particular interest to me and was one of the main arguments why I chose second cycle studies here,” he says.

Aims to Be Among the Best

While pursuing his master’s studies, Ignas had the opportunity to spend a year in the United States, where he did an internship in the laboratories of Dr Allon Klein and Dr Johan Paulsson at the Harvard University Department of Systems Biology. “During my internship, I saw the infrastructure, laboratory resources and human opportunities at Harvard University, which is one of the best in the world. I got the urge to acquire new skills that are not yet available in Lithuania and gain unique experience by observing the best scientists in the world,” says the ambitious Lithuanian.

I. Maželis recalls that the decision to complete his third cycle studies at Harvard was a difficult one: “The idea of getting into the doctoral programme at Harvard University seemed unattainable. Unlike at European universities, you have to apply for a programme rather than to a specific laboratory, so you have to go through the general admissions process with all the other students. Encouraged by colleagues, I decided to give it a try, but my emotional connection to Lithuania and my loved ones kept me from making a final decision for a long time.”