Delicia Saldanha
Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist, IGENZ Ltd
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
She has always wanted to be a scientist, says Delicia Saldanha who completed a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, specialising in molecular diagnostics and immunology.
“I chose this degree because I’m passionate about the human body, and how each and every cell works together to help us grow and live. The idea of being a ‘detective’ in the healthcare aspect of life excited me immensely. The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at AUT was the perfect degree for me to achieve my goals.”
After checking out AUT at its open day, Delicia was impressed by the university’s welcoming, youthful and lively vibe, and knew this was the right place for her studies. It’s a decision she hasn’t regretted.
“I’ve met some of the best people in my life at AUT. When I attended O-week I could see how extraordinary and vibrant everyone at AUT is, and throughout my studies I enjoyed volunteering and meeting so many students who all had so much to bring to the table. Some of my favourite memories at AUT include sitting with my friends on the 11th floor of the WG building, and enjoying some warm cookies on chilly mornings and yummy ice creams from Refuel café during warm evenings.
“All my lecturers were so passionate about their jobs and shared our interest in healthcare and wanting to have a positive impact on people’s lives. But most of all, all the people I came across and got to know during my time at AUT helped me understand people and life from different perspectives. Everyone I met had a different vibe, mentality, excitement and experience to share with me. I’m grateful that every time I take a step back and reflect on my student life at AUT all I see is warm smiles and endless opportunities.”
A career as a healthcare detective
After graduating from AUT in 2022, Delicia now enjoys applying her understanding of medical laboratory science in her work at IGENZ Ltd.
“My job involves preparing, analysing and reporting FISH (Fluorescent in-situ Hybridisation) results. Along with my daily laboratory tasks I help the equipment manager with the maintenance and calibration of all laboratory equipment. I also help in registering samples, harvesting cell cultures and cell purifications, and support my colleagues in carrying out various other tasks.
“I enjoy the fact that every case I analyse is unique. I appreciate being a ‘detective’ in the healthcare industry and working with my colleagues to help patients have a smooth journey from their diagnoses to their treatment. I know every slide I pick up to analyse will tell me a new story each time.”
While Delicia is still in the early stages of her career, she already had a number of achievements she is particularly proud of.
“My biggest achievement so far was gaining my full medical laboratory scientist registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand. I can now proudly say that all my hard work has paid off. In my first year of working at IGENZ, I analysed over 1,500 FISH slides and had the opportunity to help my colleagues organise the annual Genetics Special interest Group meeting, where I connected with scientists from around New Zealand. I love learning and working as a scientist – I’m blessed with the opportunity to learn something new every day.”
Advice for other students
Delicia’s advice for other students is simple: embrace yourself and be open to change.
“Believe in who you are and have faith in who you want to become. In life, the only thing that is constant is change, and the more someone adapts and changes without forgetting the true essence of who they are the more fun and adventurous life becomes. Along with following your own dreams and studying hard to reach where you want to be, it’s also important to be kind and to help your peers and to support each other while embarking on the university and adulting journey together.”
She also has some good study tips and academic advice.
“Always do the pre-readings for all lectures, attend every lecture and workshop as much as you can because being present helps build connections with lecturers, engage with peers and understand the concepts better. Don’t shy away from asking questions and getting some closure on the topics you struggle with.
“And last but not the least enjoy every moment at AUT – join clubs, be consistent, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, meet new people, and make university life for yourself and for everyone around you magical and memorable. One of my biggest challenges in my first year was to get out of my comfort zone, so I started volunteering to make and serve sandwiches for mental health day at AUT and joined the AUT Toastmasters club, where I eventually became the vice-president for education. All the extracurricular activities at AUT changed me from being a shy, timid girl to someone who is confident and not scared of challenges.”
